Serena Williams will go to Rio 'super protected' against Zika virus

PARIS – Told of the letter written by 150 doctors and scientists to the World Health Organization (WHO) in regards to moving or postponing the Olympics due to the fear of spreading the Zika virus, Serena Williams said the event was still on her schedule.

“[That’s] something that's been on my mind,” the world No. 1 said Saturday of Zika. “I'm really just gonna have to go super protected maybe. I don't know.”

Williams was curt in her response after a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6(10) win over Kristina Mladenovic to reach the fourth round here.

The letter was submitted to the WHO and details the threat of Zika virus spreading at rapid rates should athletes, officials and fans from around the globe descend on Rio for the planned August Games. It also laid out claims that WHO was not moving forward in suggesting a postponement or moving of the games due to the fear of conflicts of interest with the International Olympic Committee.

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Williams won both the singles and doubles (with sister Venus) gold in London in 2012, and has spoken on a consistent basis about her affinity for the event.

Earlier this week, Williams had said she has hopes to attend the opening ceremony this year.

“I was talking to Venus about the Olympics and how excited we are to get there,” she said after her first round win. “I was like, ‘I've got to do the opening ceremonies this year.’”

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“It's just going to be a really cool experience and I'm really excited about it.”

Asked about it the same letter in her press conference later on Saturday, Venus Williams tried to make light of the situation, then expressing little knowledge on the topic.

"It could be a concern," she said. "I'm not an expert on pathogens. I've watched a lot of movies like Outbreak and stuff, but it didn't leave me in a position where I could comment on this.  Of course would we're hoping it doesn't happen."

American John Isner said he would skip the Games because of a scheduling conflict and for the fact that the tennis event does not award rankings points. Top 30 players Dominic Thiem, Bernard Tomic and Feliciano Lopez also won’t go.

Saturday the WHO rejected the fear the call of the letter, saying that the Games would “not significantly alter” the spread of the virus, which is linked to serious birth defects.

Members of the U.S. women’s soccer team have expressed concern over attending the Games because of Zika, as has golfer Rory McIlroy.