World number 7 Milos Raonic of Canada won’t be participating in next month’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil due to health concerns and uncertainty about the Zika virus.
It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my withdrawal from participation in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. 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.
Raonic, fresh from his first Grand Slam final at the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club admitted that it was a diffuclt decision to make and revealed that it is something that he had consulted with his family and coaches.
This was a difficult, personal choice and I do not wish for it to impact the decision of any other athlete heading to the Games. I would like to thank Tennis Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee for their ongoing support. I am very proud to have competed for Canada at the London 2012 Summer Olympics, and on the world stage at several Davis Cup events. I look forward to cheering on Team Canada this summer.
