Tennis: Raonic, Halep withdraw from Olympics over Zika virus concerns

Canadian tennis player Milos Raonic, pictured here in action in Sunday's Wimbledon final against Andy Murray, has made himself unavailable for the Rio Olympics next month. Photo / Getty

Two more top athletes have withdrawn themselves from Olympic contention next month due to concerns regarding their health and the Zika virus.

Female world number five Simona Halep and men's world number seven Milos Raonic have both pulled out of their respective Olympic squads, with the Romanian and the Canadian tennis players fearing exposure to the virus, with the mosquito-brone virus being linked to brain deformities in newborn children.

"I am making this decision for a variety of health concerns including the uncertainty around Zika," said Raonic, 25, who was beaten by Andy Murray on Sunday in the Wimbledon final.

"I do not wish to impact the decision of any other athlete heading to the Games," he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.

"I look forward to cheering on Team Canada this summer."

Halep, 24, added: "I can't risk not being able to have one of my own."

Their decisions to not compete in Rio de Jaineiro next month adds to the growing list of athletes who have chosen to stay at home rather than run the risk of contracting the Zika virus by attending the Games.

In just the golf competition alone, over 20 male competitors have withdrawn themselves from selection over Zika virus concerns.

Halep and Raonic are not the first tennis players to have pulled out from competing next month, but are the first to do so because of Zika virus concerns, and are also currently the highest ranked players to decide to stay at home.

American John Isner is not competing in Brazil to focus on preperation for tour events, while Australian Nick Kyrgios will not be there due to a dispute with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).