Romania’s tennis star Simona Halep has decided to withdraw from the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, due to the risks posed by the Zika virus. She made the announcement after winning the BRD Bucharest Open on Sunday, July 17.

“After several talks with doctors and my family, I concluded that the risks are too high for my career and my health, especially as a woman. The family is much too important to me, and I can’t risk not being able to have children of my own after my career in tennis is over,” Halep said in a Facebook post.

“I know the Olympics are a very important event, and I sincerely regret these circumstances. I hope the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee and all Romanians will respect my decision. I wish all the participants, especially our delegation, the best of luck!”

Her decision didn’t come as a surprise, as she had already announced in late-June that she was considering this option.

Four tennis players will represent Romania at the Olympics, namely Irina Begu, Monica Niculescu, Horia Tecau, and Florin Mergea.

On Sunday, July 17, Simona Halep won the BRD Bucharest Open tournament once again. She beat Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in two sets: 6-0, 6-0. Halep previously won the Bucharest tournament in 2014.

“I am happy, especially because I’ve won like this, I was very strong, very confident, and determined from the first to the last ball. It was a beautiful final, and title number 13, so I will never forget it. I don’t think I’ve ever had a 6-0, 6-0 victory in the WTA,” Halep said after the final.

This is Halep’s second title this year after she won the Madrid Open in May. The Romanian is currently 5th in the WTA ranking of the best women's tennis players in the world and 6th in the Road to Singapore ranking, which includes the players with most points won in WTA tournaments this year.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: Frt.ro)