SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Halep could pull out of Rio because of Zika fears

LONDON (Reuters) - Romania's top tennis player Simona Halep could pull out of the Rio Olympics because she is "very worried" about the effects of the Zika virus.

Halep could pull out of Rio because of Zika fears
(Reuters)

2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters


Skip to article content

"I have to research this virus because it's not easy (to get all the information)," Halep, a runner-up at the French Open in 2014, told Reuters in an interview after reaching the second round at Wimbledon on Monday.

"I've asked many doctors (about Zika) and I have to speak to doctors again after this tournament.

"I've heard that even if you are not pregnant at the moment and you get the virus, when you get pregnant it (the virus) will activate. I'm very worried."

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

U.S. health officials have concluded that Zika infections in pregnant women can cause microcephaly, a birth defect marked by small head size that can lead to severe developmental problems in babies.

The World Health Organisation has said there is strong scientific consensus that Zika can also cause Guillain-Barre, a rare neurological syndrome that causes temporary paralysis in adults.

"I am planning to go (to Rio) but I have to make sure it is safe there and I am safe there. When I play tennis, my health is the most important thing," added the world number five.

"It's dangerous for the ladies and many sportsmen have withdrawn from Rio for this same reason. It's a real dilemma when it's about your health, so I cannot say anything now for sure (whether I will pull out or not)."

A number of leading golfers, including major winners Rory McIlroy, Vijay Singh, Adam Scott, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen have pulled out of the Aug. 5-21 Games because of the virus.

Halep said she had yet to receive any guidance about effects of the virus from the Romanian Olympic Committee but hoped the picture would become clearer after Wimbledon.

"After this tournament I have to decide (whether I will go). I will be disappointed if I have to pull out because I really like the ceremony and the feeling that you are there with all the Romanians," said the 24-year-old.

"The Olympics is a big deal for our country but my health is the most important. I have to be careful with my body."

(Reporting by Pritha Sarkar, editing by Clare Lovell)


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world