Tomas Berdych serves during the Wimbledon Championships, on July 8, 2016. PHOTO: AFP
Their decision came just a day after Milos Raonic and Simona Halep also withdrew over similar health fears.
“It is because of the Zika virus spread in the country of the Olympics. As I have founded a family recently, to limit health risks towards my nearest is the utmost priority,” Berdych said on Twitter.
Growing list of absentees: Rio Olympics lose Raonic, Halep
The 24-year-old Pliskova told the Czech News Agency she was pulling out for the same reason as Berdych. “I share the concerns about the possible effects of catching the Zika virus,” she said.
Their decision will not please Radek Stepanek, who was due to form a doubles pair with time-tested Davis Cup teammate Berdych in Rio, and Lucie Safarova, who may team up with Barbora Strycova for doubles.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2016.
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