WIMBLEDON - Former gold medalists Venus and Serena Williams are expected to play both singles and doubles for the Olympic team announced Wednesday by the US Tennis Association.
Serena Williams (L) laughs with her sister Venus as they watch US teammate Vania King play Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium during 2007 Fed Cup tennis quarter finals in Delray Beach, Florida in this April 22, 2007 file photo. [Agencies] |
The nine-member team also includes Lindsay Davenport, who won a gold medal in singles at the 1996 Games. She'll play singles and has been nominated for doubles with Liezel Huber, ranked No. 1 in the world in doubles.
First-time Olympians James Blake, Sam Querrey and Robby Ginepri were named to the men's team in singles. Bob and Mike Bryan, the No. 1 doubles team, and Blake and Querrey have been nominated as the US men's doubles teams.
The International Tennis Federation is still filling roster spots, and the USTA anticipates another place will be available on the women's team. It's expected to go to Jill Craybas, who would be a first-time Olympian at age 34.
Zina Garrison will coach the women's team.
"With three former gold medalists on our team and the No. 1 doubles player in the world, we are certainly capable of earning medals at this Olympics," Garrison said.
Rodney Harmon will coach the men's team for the first time.
"With all of our singles players making their Olympic debuts and the Bryans searching for one of the few prizes they have still to earn in their accomplished careers, our goal is to be on the podium when all is said and done," Harmon said.
At the 2000 Games, the Williams sisters became the first siblings to combine for an Olympic gold medal in doubles. Venus also won the gold in singles. The only other woman to sweep both titles was Helen Wills in 1924.
Tennis will be played August 10-17 in Beijing.
