World number one Serena Williams has admitted that she felt extremely sad to see world's top-ranked golfer Jason Day joining the chorus of players pulling out of the upcoming Rio Olympics over increasing concerns about the Zika virus.
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Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Day had stated that he was concerned about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential risks it may present to his wife's future pregnancies and to future members of his family.
Although Williams is sad by the constant pull-outs by the athletes, she completely understands the golfers' hesitation to play in Olympics.
Keeping in mind the probable transmission of Zika virus, the defending champion said she would head into the Olympics with ample protection and raised awareness.
Brazil has been most affected by the mosquito-borne virus that has spread rapidly through Latin America and the Caribbean. It is known to cause the head-shrinking microcephaly and other birth defects.
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Hours after Day's decision, Ireland golfer Shane Lowry also said he is likely to snub the Summer Games, Sport24 reported.
Earlier, John Isner of the United States, Austria's Dominic Thiem, Australian controversial duo Bernard Tomic and Nick Kyrgios as well as Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez have all opted to snub the games.
Insisting that she sees Olympics as a 'bonus opportunity', the 34-year-old said that her experience at the games has always been good and that she had never contemplated pulling out of it.