Federer has 'never reconsidered' Olympics participation

"For me, it's always been a big deal, the Olympics, regardless of points or not or regardless of where it was in the world, it was always going to be a priority for me in the calendar," Federer said.

Published : Jun 26, 2016 21:53 IST , London

Federer, a gold medallist in 2008 and a silver medallist in 2012 Olympics remains steadfast in his desire to play.
Federer, a gold medallist in 2008 and a silver medallist in 2012 Olympics remains steadfast in his desire to play.
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Federer, a gold medallist in 2008 and a silver medallist in 2012 Olympics remains steadfast in his desire to play.

Roger Federer insists he has never reconsidered his decision to play at the Olympic Games this year despite the recent high-profile withdrawals due to concerns over the Zika virus.

Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy announced this week he would not compete in the golf tournament in Rio de Janeiro due to concerns over the virus, which is spread by mosquitoes and has been linked to birth defects in babies born to women with the virus.

Fellow golfer Branden Grace has joined McIlroy in pulling out while two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry decided not to make himself available for selection for the United States due to "several factors - including recent ankle and knee injuries".

But Federer, a gold medallist in 2008 and a silver medallist in 2012 remains steadfast in his desire to play.

He told a media conference ahead of start of Wimbledon: "It's a completely personal decision, in my opinion, for the athletes who don't want to play in the Olympics or don't want to compete. It's completely their decision.

"I've never reconsidered my decision, I know I will play and I will try everything I possibly can to be there.

"For me, it's always been a big deal, the Olympics, regardless of points or not or regardless of where it was in the world, it was always going to be a priority for me in the calendar.

"Yes, I'll put mosquito spray on my body. Yes, I'll do that and I'll take the precautions I have to. That's it really. The Swiss Olympic [federation] is giving me all the necessary information that I need to know going in.

"They'll tell me what I need to do once I get there, they'll give me the products I need to use. I trust them that they guide me in the right direction.

"I have not been reading every article, because otherwise I'd go crazy. I've read some of it because it's important to be informed."

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