Milos Raonic and Simona Halep withdraw from Olympics over Zika fears

Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic and Romanian Simona Halep have both pulled out of the Rio Olympics citing concerns over the Zika virus.

World No 7 Raonic, who lost to Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final on Sunday, was the first tennis player to pull out of the Olympics due to concerns over the mosquito-borne Zika virus before Halep confirmed her decision just hours later on Friday. 

"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, 25, said in a statement issued by Tennis Canada.

"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. "

The Zika virus, which the World Health Organization says is spreading rapidly in the Americas, has been linked to severe birth defects in infants born to infected women, and possible neurological problems in adults.

Halep is the first high-profile woman to pull out, although Victoria Azarenka will also miss the Games after announcing her pregnancy on Friday.

"I regret to announce that I have decided I will not compete in the Olympic Games taking place this summer in Rio," world No 5 Halep said on Facebook. "The reason for my decision is the concern regarding the danger posed by the Zika virus.

"After several talks with doctors and my family, I concluded that the risks are too high for my career and for my health, especially as a woman.

"Family is much too important for me and I can't risk not being able to have one of my own after my career in tennis is over. I know the Olympics are a very important event and I truly regret these circumstances."

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal has been given the green light by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to compete at next month's Olympics despite not fulfilling the qualification criteria.

The 2008 Beijing gold medallist's participation had been in doubt as injury had prevented him from appearing in the minimum number of Davis Cup ties required in a four-year Olympic cycle to qualify for the Games.

The Spaniard, who has been out of action since pulling out of the French Open following his second round match with a wrist injury, won his appeal to compete in Rio and was named in the final list of participants issued by the ITF on Friday.

The 30-year-old, who missed the 2012 Games through injury, has been named as his country's flag bearer in the opening ceremony and will be one of four Spaniards competing for the men's singles gold medal.

He will also compete in the men's doubles with Marc Lopez.