Raonic, Halep out of Rio Olympics over Zika virus

Raonic, the world number seven from Canada who was defeated by Andy Murray in Sunday’s Wimbledon final, said he had taken the decision “with a heavy heart”.

“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my withdrawal from participation in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games,” the 25-year-old Raonic announced on his Facebook page.

Halep, the 2014 French Open runner-up, said she too was concerned over the Zika virus and did not want to damage her hopes of having a family when she retires from playing. “I regret to announce that I have decided I will not compete in the Olympic Games. The reason for my decision is the concern regarding the danger posed by the Zika virus,” wrote Halep.

Fears over Zika have already seen the image of the golf event in Rio badly tarnished with the sport’s top four players — Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson — all choosing not to play.

Reigning champions Andy Murray and Serena Williams will defend their Olympic titles, the ITF had already confirmed. World number one Novak Djokovic and 17-time major winner Roger Federer are also playing.