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PRAGUE (AP) Tomas Berdych says he has fired his coach Dani Vallverdu after a 17-month partnership.

Berdych's announcement comes days after a 6-0, 6-0 loss to David Goffin in the third round of the Italian Open.

In Monday's statement, the eighth-ranked Berdych says the move is a reaction to his unimpressive recent form. He is 19-10 in 2016.

Berdych says ''I am not a player at the beginning of my career, so I had to act quickly when I felt like making a change.''

The 30-year-old Berdych led the Czechs to two Davis Cup titles but has never won a Grand Slam tournament. He was a runner-up at Wimbledon in 2010 and reached his highest ranking at No. 4 a year ago.

Berdych has yet to decide on Vallverdu's replacement.

Q. How much is the challenge of having a match held over, just the overnight sort of focus? I mean, you've been around for a while. Is it something that always is a challenge or you've gotten used to a delay like that?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, no. I think you just mentioned it all in your question. You know, it's always a challenge. But with all the years on the tour, I mean, you get used to it. So really it's just something that, you know, you just have to keep your focus that you don't have a day off after the day that you play the match or that you've been scheduled to play a match. That's it. So, I mean, no matter if you have to finish for a few points or a set or more, it's just the same thing. You just have to stay focused and be ready for as a new match.
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Tomas Berdych first round press conference
Q. Given the weather forecast for today, how pleased were you being able to get it finished quickly?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Oh, yeah. It's been really up and down match, but, I mean, first of all, I should have been done, you know, already yesterday. But, yeah, at least a bit of sign of the good timing on this. It's really help. It's good to be done and especially when my opponents finished yesterday. I think it's really good that we were able to finish the match. You know, just now let's see and wait what's gonna happen for the upcoming days.
Q. A little bit of an offbeat question about changeovers. Strange things happen. Maybe players taking the time to argue with the chair umpire or ordering coffee. How do you kind of view it? Do you really think through everything? Do you just kind of zone out and relax? Is it always different?
TOMAS BERDYCH: No, I think it's all different, because sometimes there are things that they are not really affecting you and there are things that are affecting you almost, I would say, directly. So it's all over, you know, all different things are happening on the court, around the court.
So some of them you can really just easy, let it be and let it go. Some of them, you know, when they are really like, you know, just happening from no reason and they are affecting the game or especially the situation that you are in, then that's a little bit more different. Then also there are days that you're able to deal with them a little bit easier and days there are sometimes sometimes they get you a little bit off the balance. But, you know, in the end it's all happening for both of the guys so it's just fine.
Q. If your opponent is arguing with the chair umpire during the changeover, does that distract you or do you get resentful of that ever?
TOMAS BERDYCH: No, no, not at all. I mean, really it's just the way that, you know, he sees something that he doesn't like or something that he wants to really tell to the chair umpire, so that's one of the things that goes completely out of me and goes around. That's not a problem at all.
Q. Do you think you can say anything you want to a chair umpire? Is it like other sports like that? If you look straight ahead and talk and don't get too picked up on the mic, are there ways to speak and argue with the chair umpire that are a little more diplomatic, perhaps?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, I think in the end I don't really see that many things can really change. I think it's more like the emotional thing. Sometimes you feel that you should say something. You know, maybe he's gonna pick up the point, maybe not. That's really something you can't really, you know, do much about it, but I think that's all.
I mean, of course you can talk or, you know, you can't really compare with the other sports. I think the tennis is very strict in that and it's very particular, I would say, because that's very special. So that's why, you know, there is not many really talks and not many emotions around that anymore.
Q. You'll be representing your country in the Olympic Games. What are your thoughts about competitors who are pulling out due to concerns about the Zika virus?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, I think they definitely have their own reasons. The decisions are totally up to them, so I totally respect that.
Q. Can you tell me a little bit about your coaching situation? I know you had a pretty strong statement when you parted ways with Dani about having not so much time left in your career, being a little bit older and wanting to find the right situation. You have moved forward for a few months. Are you still operating coachless or are you happy with how you have it here at Wimbledon?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, I'm happy with the situation that it is right now, but as you know, the tennis is a sport which is moving very quickly and very fast. It's not really that you have time, you know, to be doing the things, you know, like once while you're playing.
The situation right now, it's fine to me, and, you know, it's definitely something that I'm looking for. But I definitely don't want to say anything and let any speculations begin and who, where, what, why, and all those things that are very popular. So that's it.
Q. I wanted to ask you about the football, European Championships in France. Were you following the national team, the Czech team, when they were in the first round? And now, do you have any other favorite team that you would like to win?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, yeah, I have been following. I was watching that. You know, I'm not a big football expert, so I don't really like when people who doesn't know about the sport and they are not close to the sport, you know, they are pretending to understand and saying what was wrong, what was good, how they should play, what they should not do, things like that.
I can listen this all day long about my tennis and about this, so I don't think I'm the right person to talk about the football. So, I mean, they were trying their best. That's the result what happened, and I don't know really any details about it.
So that's about the Czechs. Yeah, I mean, of course I like sports, so I'm following it still. I like to see the matches. Yeah, I think that's a pretty good time to cut the time when it's raining here.
Q. We British are very excited about Marcus Willis playing Federer today on Centre Court. Is that something that's quite interesting, quite surprising for you, a professional, as well, that somebody ranked so low is playing Federer on Centre Court?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, absolutely. I think it's just showing how tennis is a tough sport, and even the guy with the low ranking can pass the I think he went through prequalification and then won the qualifying and then now he's won his first round.
So that's basically seven matches, right? He won the title. (Laughter.) So that's pretty well done.
For him, there is really nothing to lose, and I think that's really what so many players dream about to play. I mean, that's just another nice example of what the sport can bring out.
Q. To what extent are you a creature of habit? Do you stay in the same house every year, eat in the same restaurants, or do you like to mix it up?
TOMAS BERDYCH: No, no, no. I mean, I don't even think I stayed twice in the same house. But I'm just always trying to pick something else, I mean, just to have something different, you know, because the year is getting quite same. And, you know, after so many years on tour it's just becomes really the same.
So at least this is a little change that you can do and you can have a little different house, different place. And that's it, you know. It's important that it's close by, it's convenient. But if it's one or another place, that's absolutely fine.
Q. Going back to the Olympics and the Zika virus, what guidance have you sought or received with respect to the Zika virus?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, honestly, I haven't been really like thinking about it that detailed or really just seeing the things as it is. I mean, right now for me it's much more important things ahead, so I'm just focusing on that. And whenever the time comes up to this, then I might have a look or...
Q. You've not spoken to any doctors or experts about potential risks?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, yes, there are potential risks. And even if they are saying they are not and they are like 95% sure that it's all fine and all clear, I mean, who's going to tell you that those 5% or that mosquito with the virus is not going to bite you?
So that's definitely not a positive thing and positive sign for such a big event and things like that. And especially with the head of, you know I would say with the position all of us, I mean, that's not a pleasant thing. But what else we can do?
Q. Some players have brought on sort of temporary coaches for a particular part of the season, Stan working with Krajicek, Milos with John McEnroe. Is that something you would consider for yourself or do you more see a coaching not necessarily who it would be, but would you see a coach as a building relationship, someone you want to see a long term thing playing out?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah, it was always more for the long terms working relationship. So that's how I see this situation.
Q. A couple questions about Davis Cup. The first one is: Did you make your decision about playing or not the quarterfinal in July in Trinec? Did you already make your decision?
TOMAS BERDYCH: No.
Q. Not yet?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Not yet.
Q. You will make it after Wimbledon?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yes.
Q. The second question is about the fact that the ITF plan to play the final after 2018 in a country which is not the country of both finalists on a neutral place. What do you think about that? Do you think it's a good decision or not?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Wow. They are going even better. Okay.
Well, I mean, that's the first time actually to hear that, so well, I would definitely not be a fan of that. I mean, I experienced both finals, I mean, the one at home and I also experienced the one away. I mean, of course it's all very different, all very different experience, I have to say. But I would definitely never change the experience that I had winning at home.
So with this fact, I think it's a bit unfair to the team that makes it all the way to the final. I mean, of course one way it's gonna be the team you play away or you play home, but, I mean, that's how it is. I mean, that's how it's the tradition been all the time.
I think that the will or the reason of the Davis Cup should be try to make it better for the players. But I don't see really what's this better for the players, you know. I think it's just a bit unfair. You know, the players, they are playing all year almost on, I would say, neutral place. You know, I mean, of course like for me. There are some players of course like Andy here. There are many examples they can play home but in the end not so much. And even if you do this in the Davis Cup, I don't really like that.

Q. You must be pleased to have got that done before the rain came.
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yes, I am, definitely. But, you know, I think it's fair. You know, in the first round I was basically not I was about to finish a couple of points, you know, and then get rain delay overnight. Came next day, and he's obviously better at the start. You know, he starts really sharp. So that one was, I would say, unlucky. This one I was lucky.
That's how it is. One day it's like that. The other one is the other way.
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Tomas Berdych second round press conference
Q. How did you feel you played?
TOMAS BERDYCH: I think it was very good today. I was very controlling the game from almost the first points of the match and then able to dictate the game. Played the way that I want to. So really there was a lot of positives from today.
Q. When you have a tournament like this where the rounds are played different days and things like that, at what stage do you start thinking now I'm really into the tournament? Is it always the second week when you start thinking of bigger things, or are you just trying to get to that point?
TOMAS BERDYCH: No, I always just try to get to that point and go really one by one, because with this, it's very difficult. I mean, I was here, for example, 8:30 this morning. I was the first one here, and now, you know, it's 5:30 and I'm just done with the match and possibly I might play tomorrow.
So it's really extremely tough in these conditions and that's how it is. So really there is no sense of looking ahead too far or anything like that, you know. There will be another opponent which might be very tough, very difficult. That's all I need to be focused on.
Q. And can you tell me a little bit about Zverev and Youzhny, your record against them?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Oh, yeah. Both are very tough opponents to me. I mean, with Sascha I was playing some good battles. I mean, all of them went on the good side for me, but obviously he's a young kid and he's improving week by week.
So it's not going to be easy at all. I mean, the fact that he's playing one of the first years on the grass, I mean, he's very talented and well experienced to know how to deal with that. So that's going be a big one.
And then with Youzhny, I mean, all those years that he's been on the tour, you know, he's a very tough competitor, as well. And especially he likes to be on the grass. You know, he likes to stay very close to the line, playing very fast and can make your life on the court very difficult, as well.
But anyway, I mean, for me the same approach. Just being ready, being focused, being able to stick with my plan, dictate the game. That's gonna work.
Q. When we have those rainy days and you either have to wait to come to the court or your match gets interrupted, do you have any ways to get your focus in the locker room or not?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Oh, no. Just trying to find some quiet place, which is a big challenge in these conditions. But, no, I have to say that it's very good here. So you can really find your spot and that's it. You know, just try to relax, especially rise the mental part, as well, because it can be very long and quite difficult to keep your focus.
That's something what people doesn't see. You know, they just come and see when you step on the court. So they probably have had some good time, you know, being here with the friends. That's something different, which is like back side of the tennis.
But yeah. Also, the experience helps in these situations a lot.

Q. Can you describe how you felt yesterday when all this happened in the end, saving set points, not being able to finish the match.
TOMAS BERDYCH: It was not really a position I would like to be, especially last night. But the important was that I was able to erase it from my mind very quickly, get a good night's sleep, and come back strong again to finish the last set.
That's what I did. I think that's all the experience that I already have. That's what really gets me through this. It was really not the situation that I would like to have, but that sometimes happen as well.
Q. Were you told why you weren't allowed to move to Centre Court last night?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, not really a clear answer on that. I mean, I was asking for it. Especially when I've been playing for last couple of days consecutively.

I just felt like there would be a chance to finish. But there was not really a clear answer why not.
I just forget it and just get myself ready for today's finishing the match.
Q. How do you see the next match going? I don't know if you know anything about Lucas Pouille. How do you see this one?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, I practice with him one day before the tournament started. At least that's the only time we spent on the court together.
Of course, I mean, there is plenty of things what to see about his game. That's what I'm going to do and prepare with my team.
With the recovery, you know, I think it was actually a good day to play a set. It's like a day of practice. It's a little bit over.
You know, I'm quite used to it actually. I'm doing it day by day, so that's fine. I hope that we going to get a good time tomorrow. Hopefully everything goes well. I can make the match done and finally have a day off.
Q. Can you explain what the problems you were having towards the end of the fourth set with the light? Were you surprised the match wasn't stopped, given how much you were asking the umpire?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah, I mean, this is really repeating the same again.
Yes, I can't really see. That's the fact. That's how it is. I mean, I was just asking to stop. Obviously when I ask, I've been told, It's too late, you have to finish that.
There is another fact that, you know, when the referee calls you that the Hawk Eye is not in operation anymore. I don't know why actually we have to play in that situations when very accurate machine is not able to operate. I don't think that the human eye can see better than that. That's another fact.
So you can make a picture about it as you like. I experience this third time in a row. So I'm actually getting used to it.
Q. At other times in the tournament, some players have complained that the courts were slippery because of rain, and that players should have a voice in the decisions about whether to continue. Given you experienced something with regard to darkness, what role do you think players should have in the decisions about when to resume play?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, that's a very nice question. I think we should have definitely some word in that because I think we are the one who are on the court. We are the one that are performing, you know. The decisions are made by people who are sitting at the chair. That's a bit, I would say, unfair in this sense.
That's how it is. But we can't really change much about it. We have to deal with the situation as it is. That's all I can do. I mean, I have to be focused what I have to do on the court.
When you feel that you can't really change any decision, it's really pointless to try to do that.
Q. How does it feel to be in the quarterfinals again, having your game back and everything?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah, actually it feels good. I really have to just give it some time, a little thought what was happening last couple of days. Everything kind of keeps coming. You have to be very focused every single day. You don't really get that day in between that you can just really get some break, you know, just summarize the things what is happening.
So I almost don't feel like I'm in the quarters yet because it's just keep going, the days. Everything is so quick.
But overall I think it's pretty good. It's a good run. It was another tough test for me. Just have to get ready for myself for the next one. That's how it is.
Q. How do you feel you can beat Pouille? If you do, what do you feel about the prospects of Andy Murray being in your way?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, I'm not the one who really likes talking about the prospects and the future matches. My opponent next is Lucas Pouille. I just really have to focus on that to try to do my job, win the game, then we can talk about what might be coming up.
Q. How do you beat Pouille?
TOMAS BERDYCH: I'm going to try to stick with my game, try to play with what I know the best, try to dictate. That's it. I mean, there is not many secrets behind it. Just being very focused from the first point till the last. Just stick with my game.
Q. I appreciate that Roger Federer is not in your half of the draw. I'm looking to ask people about what it takes to beat Roger at Wimbledon. You're one of only a handful of people that has done that. Talk to me about what you need to do to stop Federer.
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah, obviously your game has to be on the very high level, I would say. Almost be on the line that you are able to play. You have to really play on the edge of your tennis abilities, playing very aggressive, I have to say. I mean, every player is different. So, you know, each style requires something else.
But speaking about myself, what I remember, I was playing very, very aggressive, not giving him any time at all that he can create anything. I was the one trying to push him on the back foot. That's definitely the situation that he's not really used to. That's what he doesn't like.
When you get the opponent to the situation that he's not really feeling comfortable, that's, I would say, half of the success. That doesn't mean he's going to give you the match. But that was the plan, that was the way, and it works pretty well.
Q. How much was the fifth set on your mind as you were leaving the courts, going through your normal routine?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah, I mean, straight after the match, as I said, it was not the feeling I want to really have that night. But as soon as I was able to get it out of my mind, that was just the main thing, main goal.
I think I've done it quite well. As I said, I used my experience in that sense. I just get back stronger. I start very good.
Q. When you were more inexperienced, is it possible to go crazy thinking about what's going to happen the next day?
TOMAS BERDYCH: For me or him?
Q. For you, when you had less experience.
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, probably. I don't know what he says about it. I mean, that's how it is. You have to really try to deal with that situation no matter what it is. You have to do all possible to win that match.
Somebody's like that, that he likes to think about it, maybe be a little bit more edgy or something like that. Bring more emotions from the last night to the game could help, but definitely not for me.
Q. You reached the finals six years ago. What is the difference for you?
TOMAS BERDYCH: I'm six years older (smiling).

Q. Tight first set, but towards the end, an efficient performance. What were your thoughts on the whole match?
TOMAS BERDYCH: The first set, at the beginning, I was a bit finding the right rhythm because obviously, I mean, the opponent before was completely different game style, everything was quite different. So just trying to find the rhythm back again, which I did finally in the end of the first set.
Since then on, everything was fine. I was able to dictate the game, play what I wanted. Afterwards, it was pretty straightforward.
Q. How would you describe your road to reaching the semifinals and your emotions on being in the semifinals?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah, as I said the other day, everything has been quite quick, going day by day. It was not really the right, you know, schedule, how you usually have it. But it feels great.

I mean, it's good. I mean, it's great to be in the semis again. But there's still a lot left to play. That's my main focus right now again.
Q. You've been in a Grand Slam final before here. Would you feel that your career would ever be unfulfilled if you didn't win a Grand Slam?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, I mean, it's hard to say. In the end of the day, the most important thing is that you can stand and say, Okay, I've tried everything that I possibly can. I've done all what was there. If you made it one day, great. If not, what can you do?
I mean, there is so many other guys that they have never reached, you know, the final at least. So that's how it is. So I'm still having some time. I'm, you know, having another good run. I will try to continue in that.
Q. It could well be Andy Murray in the next round. He's coached by Ivan Lendl. Were you surprised when Lendl came back to coach Andy? Did he ever come close to coaching you before?
TOMAS BERDYCH: I already answered that question at the beginning. Yes, I mean, I approach Ivan when he stop with Andy first time. He basically says that he doesn't have the time and he don't want to be involved in tennis. Then he come back to Andy. So that's how it is.
I mean, it's another opponent for me. I just going to try to focus on my next match.
Q. Was that frustrating that he's turned up with Andy now?
TOMAS BERDYCH: No, absolutely not.
Q. You have a pretty even history with Andy. How would you describe what it's like to play against him?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, yeah, I think he also went through some changes or, yeah, different styles when he's playing. I think at the beginning, he was a bit more defensive, you know, playing a little bit more just waiting what's the opponent going to do. I think it was working pretty well for myself. I was able to really dictate the game and play aggressive.
Now he becomes to be more aggressive, way more creative on the court. So, you know, he's also looking for the way how to improve, how to be better. I think that's the difference with him, I would say the beginning of his career and now.
Really, I mean, I'm just going to try to get my plan again and try to work it out.
Q. What do you think you do that gives him the most trouble?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, I mean, it's definitely the way I'm playing. You know, try to push him as hard as I can, being aggressive, not giving him the time to create the game.
Q. When you lost 6 Love, 6 Love in Rome, you split with Dani, how low were you feeling at that point? What's happened since then to help you reach the semifinal here?
TOMAS BERDYCH: It was pretty quick actually. It doesn't take long. I mean, I just regroup myself and I already get a good run in Paris. Now I have another one here.
It was absolutely fine.
Q. You talked about Andy, but Tsonga just won the third set. What sort of challenges does he present for you? How do you guys match up?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah, I mean, with Jo, we also play couple of matches. It's another guy that he's serving well. He tries to work his game around his forehand, playing very aggressive, coming to the net.
Yeah, we also had couple of good battles. So let's see. As you said, it's not over yet. We already see one comeback from Roger today. Who knows what's going to happen. That's nice about tennis.
Q. Have you ever thought what you would be doing if you weren't a tennis player?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah. I got this question so many times. I have quite simple answer for that because, you know, since you are kid and you are brought to the tennis court, you don't really think about anything else. You just have your really routine since the beginning.
That's why I always answer rockstar, because it's completely out. You can't really see anything else.
Q. How would you describe your personal relationship with Andy? There was a flash point in Melbourne a couple years ago.
TOMAS BERDYCH: That's it. That's happen. That's past. Otherwise absolutely fine.
Q. Back in 2010 you made the final and beat Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer on the way. If you are to play Andy Murray, what can you use from that run when you play the next round?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah, I mean, definitely those are the experience from the 2010 that I will try to look back. But mostly is the fact that that was the first time which I show myself that I can play well for two weeks. I can beat the best guys not only at the beginning of the tournament, but also in the later stages. That's just the few things that I'm going to try to focus on.
Q. I know you've done well against Andy in the past. Do you feel maybe you missed chances against him at big moments in the slams, say 2012 in the US Open?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah, there were also couple matches, like you mentioned, the one in US Open, which has been a bit unlucky to me. Also the one we play in Melbourne.
Yeah, there has been chances as well. I think it will be a really nice opportunity for me to make it happen right here.

Q. Do you feel it was maybe closer than what the score says? You had a lot of little opportunities in the first two sets.
TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah, I think there was couple of opportunities. Especially in those moments, I was a bit short on that, was not able to execute them. Especially little bit in the second set when I was 3 2 up, had couple of breakpoints on his serve, I think that was a good chance, as well.
But, yeah, I mean, overall, I have to say that he played really well. He was able to, you know, like, defend the game, really play very solid. For him, he just deserves to win today.
Q. Not to search for any excuse, but you had a tough week, a lot of tough matches. You had to come back two days in a row. I think you were the one who played the most in the four semifinalists. Were the legs...
TOMAS BERDYCH: No, I don't think so. I was really ready for the match. It was all fine in terms of rhythm, in terms of time to rest and everything. It was difficult in the days before.
Just before the semis, I get the day off. I got back the rhythm of how it is normally. So everything in that sense was fine. I was feeling good on the court. There was not really any problems on that side, no.
Q. Is your next event Rio? If so, what is the preparation for that?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, I wish. But the tennis world doesn't really work like that. There is still a lot of tournaments in between that. So I'm going to stick with the plan that I'm having now.
Rio is now really, for me, still far ahead.
Q. No chance at all to see you at Davis Cup quarterfinal?
TOMAS BERDYCH: No, there is not.
Q. Do you think Andy can win the tournament now?
TOMAS BERDYCH: I think he can, yeah. Definitely, he can. The fact that probably his biggest rival, Novak, is not in the draw anymore definitely helps for him. I think he has all the tools to make it all the way.
Q. Has he improved since you last played him?
TOMAS BERDYCH: No. I mean, it's hard to say. I mean, every match is completely different. He's playing at home with all the crowd support behind himself. It's completely different story.
So really, it's difficult to comparing the matches on hard court, grass court, playing here, playing in Melbourne. I mean, we all try to improve. We all try to be in the best possible shape, playing the best tennis. I think that's his approach, as well.
Q. With Novak being out, how do you feel that's changed the mood of the tournament at all?
TOMAS BERDYCH: I don't know. For me, it doesn't really actually change anything. I was just focusing on my side. It was not happening in my side at all, so...
Q. You don't feel like people are more aware of an opportunity?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, definitely from that side where was Novak. But, as I said, I was not there, so I cannot really speak about it.
Q. Are you happy because you're playing great again or is there frustration that you were so close one more time and can't make the last step?
TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, it's both. Right now, of course, it's a bit of frustration, as well. Even the fact I was still far, but it was a semifinal. You know, that's right now.
But I think overall I think it was a good run. I think it was definitely good two weeks which definitely show me that's the way to do it, that's the way to go. That's really positive signs for my second half of the year.
Q. What do you feel Andy has to watch out for against Raonic? What are his main weapons?
TOMAS BERDYCH: I think it has been said many times, it's definitely going to be Milos' serve. But I think Andy is one of the best in eliminating this big weapon of the opponent.
So I think he actually likes, you know, to play these big guys, just come up with his creative game, try to break the rhythm of the big guys. So that's why I feel that he can do it.

World No.8 Tomas Berdych is the latest player to pull out of the Olympics, citing concerns over the Zika virus.

Czech Republic's Berdych, who fell to Andy Murray in the recent Wimbledon semifinals, says his family is his "utmost priority" and will not compete in Rio.

He follows world No.7 Milos Raonic and women's No.5 Simona Halep in withdrawing from the Games, which get under way on Aug. 5.

Berdych said in a statement on Twitter: "I am very sorry to announce that I will not take part in this year's Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

World No. 8 joins forces with popular Croat
Tomas Berdych revealed on Monday that he will begin to work with Goran Ivanisevic at next week’s Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.
“I am delighted to announce a new addition to my team,” Berdych wrote on his official Twitter account. “Two months ago, I started working with Luka Kutanjac and I feel that, since then, my game has [improved] and my form has been going in the right direction. In order to further improve, I have decided to add Goran Ivanisevic to the team already in Cincinnati.
“I feel that Goran, with his playing and coaching experience, as well as his energy, is a perfect addition to the team. [I’m] feeling excited about new challenges.”
Ivanisevic parted company with fellow Croatian Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, on 21 June after a three-year partnership. Former World No. 2 Ivanisevic, one of the biggest servers of the Open Era, captured the 2001 Wimbledon title as a wild card entry.
Berdych, 30, is currently No. 8 in the Emirates ATP Rankings. He has a 12-17 record in tour-level finals.
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