With the Olympic tennis event to be played at the All England Club this summer, the world’s leading players disclose what it would mean to them to win a gold medal.
Victoria Azarenka:
“Winning the Olympics is one of my main goals. I mean, this event comes only once every four years, and it’s so special, you know. It’s history. So for me it’s one of the main goals this year, and I would love to win a medal.”
Novak Djokovic:
“The Olympics is the most prestigious, the most valuable, the most well-known sporting event in the history of sport. I’m very happy to be representing my country again. I hope I can play well, perform well and bring a medal to Serbia.”
Roger Federer:
“With all the history there at Wimbledon, it’s very special to have the Olympics there. I’m really excited about playing there and getting a chance to maybe pick up a singles gold.”
Serena Williams:
“I think Wimbledon is great as an Olympic venue. I think it’s probably the best tennis venue in the world. It’s going to be on grass, which I look forward to.”
Andy Murray:
“I think the Olympics is, without question, the biggest sporting event in the world, and everyone is obviously there and proud to represent their country.”
Maria Sharapova:
“This year is a big year for me because I’ll be playing in the Olympics, which has been a dream of mine since I was a young girl. Growing up in Russia, it was all about being an Olympian. I was extremely disappointed I missed Beijing. This year, there’s going to be a long grass-court season, which will be fun.”
Rafael Nadal:
“The Olympics are a very special event. Being able to live those moments with other sports people, that’s very special.”
Petra Kvitova:
“For me, the Olympics are really important. I’m looking forward to playing the Olympics in London. For me, it’s like the fifth grand slam, so hopefully I will be ready to play there.”
Kim Clijsters:
“I have never played the Olympics, but I don’t think you can compare the Olympics to another grand slam just because the atmosphere is so completely different. I think there will be a lot of details that will be so not like Wimbledon that it will feel different.”