ITF PLACES ANNOUNCED FOR 2008 OLYMPIC TENNIS EVENT
The ITF announced today that that the following six men and
six women would receive ITF Places in the upcoming Olympic
Tennis Event in Beijing. ITF Places are awarded to players
who do not meet the direct acceptance requirements of the
tournament but who, in the view of the ITF Olympic Committee,
meet other criteria that would enhance the field for the 2008
competition.
Men’s Singles:
Kevin Anderson, South Africa
Jonas Bjorkman, Sweden
Kei Nishikori, Japan
Nicolas Massu, Chile
Max Mirnyi, Belarus
Peng Sun, China
Women’s Singles:
Maria Koryttseva, Ukraine
Yung-Jan Chan, Chinese Taipei
Ayumi Morita, Japan
Nuria Llagostera-Vives, Spain
Alicia Molik, Australia
Selima Sfar, Tunisia
The entry of these players has been endorsed by their respective
National Associations and National Olympic Committees.
“Each of the players who has been awarded an ITF Place
brings special qualities to the field for the 2008 Olympic
Tennis Event, “ said ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti.
“Some of the players are young competitors from under-represented
parts of the world while others are former medallists or long-standing
participants in their country’s Davis Cup and Fed Cup
efforts. Their desire to represent their countries in Beijing
– and the desire of their countries to be represented
by them – is in the true spirit of Olympic competition.”
“This is probably the best news I've had since 2004,”
said Molik. “I have played in two Olympics and I have
to say they're the absolute highlight of my career. Nothing
comes close to playing in the Olympics, representing your
country. It is the most amazing experience any individual
can have. It was always a childhood dream of mine.”
“This is fantastic news,” said Jonas Bjorkman.
“It was my goal to make the Olympics this year, which
is my last as a professional player. It will be my third participation
after Atlanta and Athens and it's my dream to end my career
with an Olympic medal for Sweden."
“I'm very happy. I'm always glad to represent my country,”
said Massu. “Playing for Chile is always a top priority
for me, especially because of the great memories I have from
four years ago.”
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