Davenport, Sharapova & Federer Excited for the Olympics - By: Ally White

The prominence of the sport of tennis is considered and measured by the amount of Grand Slams victories, but that doesn’t mean the best players of tennis do not also want to achieve an Olympic Gold Medal.

For one side Andy Roddick has decided to miss out the Olympic Games in August in order to get ready for the US Open. However; for the majority of the top tennis players, the Olympics linger as important event in the 2008 season calendar.

Maria Sharapova, who obtained her third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open is very excited to participate in Beijing and be around the Olympics atmosphere.

"The Olympics comes around only once every four years, and the US Open is there every single year. It has been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl. Usually, you have sort of an idea of how things are going to be like, but I'm really clueless. One of the things I'm really looking forward to is the opening ceremony and walking with athletes from my country in front of thousands of people."

Sharapova alleged that she would love to go to watch another sports, particularly rhythmic gymnastics and gymnastics.

On the other hand, Lindsay Davenport, who won the gold medal of the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996, has great memories of her experience during that time.

"Obviously, my best memory is winning the gold, but on top of that I always think back to the opening ceremony in '96. It was in Atlanta, and the United States were the last country to come out. I was with Mary Joe (Fernandez) and Monica (Seles), two of my best friends on the tour at the time, and it was just a moment I'll never forget. We were just so excited. Normally you don't really see that from professional athletes, and we just thought we were the luckiest people in the world. We were all crying when Muhammad Ali lit the torch. I wish I could go back and feel the happiness that the three of us felt at that time."

In the case of the number one tennis player in the world, Roger Federer , he has participated in two Olympics. He ended fourth in 2000 and was eliminated in round two at the Athens Olympics. Nevertheless he alleged he is looking forward to capture the gold medal this year in Beijing.

Federer also alleged that for many the most important tournaments at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and both Opens in Australia and U.S continue to be the yardstick of success for any top tennis player.

"You're going to be judged on the Grand Slams you win and number ones. The Olympics is a new thing to tennis. That's one of the reasons I understand decisions like Andy's. Maybe in 50 years' time it will also become one of the big tournaments to win. For me it is already, but maybe some players and some fans need more convincing that the Olympics is big for tennis."

Despite the fact that the overall experience, counting acquaintance with teammates from more traditional Olympic sports is part of the attraction of the games. Davenport, Sharapova and Federer are just thrilled to be part of the Game and they all expect to obtain the gold medal.

About the Author

Ally White is a top senior copy writer for the international tennis championships as well as the top ranking online bookmaker www.instantactionsports.com/uk/ Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.

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