While most players are now on their planes or at least stuck at airports, a number of WTA names are not going to the Rio Olympics, for a variety of reasons that our new contributor Fiona Sand will sum up in this post.
Simona Halep pulled out of the Olympics due to the her concerns about the Zika virus. The Romanian posted this statement on her Facebook account, highlighting a worry the virus could endanger her future of becoming a mother.
Karolina Pliskova pulled out due to her concerns about Zika.
Belinda Bencic stated that due to her wrist injury that has sidelined her since Wimbledon, she is behind on her training schedule.
Francesca Schiavone received a wildcard to go to Rio but refused it, saying that at this stage of her career, she need to focus on personal projects.
Victoria Azarenka is not playing either as she is pregnant.
Maria Sharapova is serving her two-year ban from the tennis circuit.
The latest withdrawal is that of Dominika Cibulkova, who will have to miss the big event due to a left leg injury she picked up at the Rogers Cup last week.
So we have a plethora of reasons: Zika virus, pregnancy, doping ban, personal issues, and injuries.
Honestly this Olympics plan to produce drama not on field but thing that happing around it. Corruption, viruses and political unrest that has plague Brazil for past few years.
It is all hype! We just arrived in Rio this morning. No mozzies, trains working, buildings finished and very efficient at the airport. The media makes up problems to sell more advertising.
I believe the real reason a lot of the men golfers and men and women tennis players are not playing is because of no ranking points awarded. Like Dominic Thiem and Rory McIlroy said, Tennis and golf have their major every year. Leave the Olympics for the athletes in swimming, track and field, gymnastics, wrestling, etc. where they only truly get to be showcased every 4 years.