Romanian tennis star Simona Halep may pull out of Rio Olympics due to Zika concern

Romania’s best tennis player Simona Halep, currently 5th in the WTA ranking of the best women’s tennis players in the world, may decide not to compete in the Rio Olympics, in August this year, as she is “very worried” about the Zika virus. “I have to research this virus because it's not easy (to get all the information),” Halep said in an interview for Reuters. “I've asked many doctors (about Zika) and I have to speak to doctors again after this tournament.” Halep, a runner-up at Roland Garros in 2014, is one of Romania’s best hopes for a medal at the Rio Olympics. She’s also one of the athletes who may be chosen to be Romania’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremony, on August 5. “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,” Halep said. She has had an oscillating run this year as she won the title in Madrid, but failed to reach the quarter finals at Roland Garros. She won her first match at Wimbledon on Monday and made it to the second round of the competition. Simona Halep is expected to fight for two medals at the Rio Olympics, as she will also compete in the mixed doubles competition together with Horia Tecau, the best Romanian doubles tennis player. Tecau will also play with compatriot Florin Mergea in the men’s doubles competition. Irina Begu and Monica Niculescu will also represent Romania in Rio. editor@romania-insider.com