There are those of use who were not aware that tennis is an Olympic Sport. It has been for a while. (So, incidentally, is tai chi and informed money is on an Australian to take the gold medal.)

With the Beijing Olympic Games one year out, many tennis stars have seen the elite event more important than the Grand Slams.

Elena Dementieva, fourth seeded at the China Open, ranked 15th in the world, and seen in our illustration, said, ‘I think the Olympic Games is more important. To represent my own country is an honor to me. I hope I can represent Russia again next year to participate in the Beijing Olympic Games.’

Martina Hingis has also expressed her wish to play at the Olympics. She said, ‘Things have been going on in the last few years and I’m looking forward to next year’s Olympic Games. That’s why I decided to come here and have a look at the city.’

Last year’s men’s singles champion Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis says playing at next year’s Olympic Games will be a big thrill.

He said, ‘It will be fun for sure, going with all the other athletes from Cyprus, and the whole team, it could be fun like it was during the Olympics in Athens. For sure my goal is to win a medal for my country. And personally speaking, it’s maybe more important than winning a tour event.’
Source: China Daily