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London - World number one Novak Djokovic has said he will compete at the Olympics next month as he believes the threat the Zika virus poses has been overstated.
A number of tennis players, including Tomas Berdych, Milos Raonic and Simona Halep, have pulled out of the Olympics due to the threat of the Zika virus, but Djokovic has refused to give in to the fear surrounding the mosquito-borne virus.
Djokovic added that he has been looking into the virus and will be taking all the necessary precautions to avoid catching it.
“I did get more information on it, and my decision is to go to the Olympic Games. Because, from the information that I got, it’s not as it’s presented, not as dangerous,” Djokovic told reporters.
“Of course, there is always a possibility that you can get the virus, but I think maybe the fuss and the buzz about the virus has been created with some kind of other intent that I’m not going to get into. For me, it’s safe enough and I’m going to go.”
The tennis event in Rio kicks off on August 6, with the opening ceremony of the Games taking place on Friday, August 5.
