2008 French Open finalist Dinara Safina will have an opportunity to represent Russia in Beijing after her countrywoman Anna Chakvetadze decided to skip the Olympics.
Safina is expected to compete alongside Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Elena Dementieva.
Russia’s team captain Shamil Tarpischev announced his tentative squad last month, but Chakvetadze recently asked to have her name removed from the team roster.
According to Chakvetadze’s mother, the Russian No. 4 has decided to skip the Olympics because of her recent struggles.
“Anna has no plans to compete in Beijing because her current form is far from ideal,” said her mother to the Allsport news agency.
Chakvetadze played her first match at the Wimbledon Championships on Monday and was forced to save three match points before beating Stephanie Dubois 2-6, 6-1, 8-6.
anna is better than safina to play on hard. anna only needs her selfconfidence to get her form back.