Milos Raonic (Photo : Getty Images)
Defending Olympic champ Bob and Mike Bryan have decided to withdraw from Rio Olympics for what is believed to be another decision stemmed from fear of Zika Virus.
The Bryan Brothers have joined a growing list of high-profile tennis players who decided to skip the Rio Olympics because of the uncertainty surrounding the transmittable disease.
Although the multiple Grand Slam and Olympic doubles champion did not specifically cite the reason of their withdrawal, it is presumed that Zika Virus played a big part in their decision.
After countless hours of deliberation Mike and I have decided to forego the Rio Olympics," their Facebook post read via USA Today. "Though we'd love to compete again, as husbands and fathers, our family's health is now our top priority."
Canada's no.1 Milos Raonic also announced that he won't be playing in Rio again because of the virus, while former world's no.1 and 17-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer decided to shut down his 2016 campaign without bagging a title because of a knee injury.
"They did not cite the Zika virus directly as one of the reasons they won't play in Rio. Earlier this week Roger Federer said he won't play at the Olympics because of a sore knee.
Several top men's golfers have withdrawn from the Games because of Zika. In men's tennis, Milos Raonic said he won't play in Rio because of uncertainty surrounding Zika," USA Today.
With Raonic and Federer gone, all eyes will be on Novak Djokovic and defending champ Andy Murray to fight for the gold in men's singles. Rafael Nadal is scheduled to return from injury, but his ongoing struggle with injuries should tamper high expectations.
