Citing Zika concerns, Halep and Raonic pull out of 2016 Summer Olympics

Simona Halep announced on Friday that she will not participate in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro for fear of contracting the Zika virus.

“After numerous discussions with doctors and family, I’ve come to the conclusion that the risks are too high for my sports career and for my health, especially as a woman,” the Romanian, ranked fifth in the world, wrote on Facebook.

Halep wasn’t the only high-profile player to withdraw from the Games on Friday.

Milos Raonic, who is coming off a run to the Wimbledon final, also revealed on Facebook that he has decided to skip the Olympics in light of similar concerns.

“After much deliberation with my family and coaches, I am making this decision for a variety of health concerns, including the uncertainty around the Zika virus,” the Canadian, ranked seventh, wrote.

Halep and Raonic, who competed for their respective countries at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, are the first tennis players to cite the virus as their reason for not participating. They’re also the highest-ranked players to withdraw.

Other top players, such as Nick Kyrgios, Dominic Thiem, John Isner and Ernests Gulbis, have said that they will not be in Rio next month.

Thiem, Isner and Gulbis have indicated that they would rather focus on their ATP schedules than play the Olympics. Kyrgios’ expected absence, on the other hand, stems from disputes with the Australian Olympic Committee.

The Games will kick off on August 5 and conclude on August 21.