Olympic pull-outs: Berdych, Pliskova withdraw over Zika concerns
Their decision came just a day after Milos Raonic and Simona Halep also withdrew over similar health fears
Tomas Berdych serves during the Wimbledon Championships, on July 8, 2016. PHOTO: AFP
PRAGUE:
Czech tennis stars, world number eight Tomas Berdych and 16th-ranked Karolina Pliskova, on Saturday joined the growing band of players pulling out of the Olympics due to concerns over the Zika virus.
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.
Czech tennis stars, world number eight Tomas Berdych and 16th-ranked Karolina Pliskova, on Saturday joined the growing band of players pulling out of the Olympics due to concerns over the Zika virus.
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.