Comments on: UPDATED: Mary Pierce Withdraws from Olympics, Amelie Mauresmo Balks at Traveling to Beijing

By: pov

pov — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:57:58 +0000

On a phrase that sums up how much some players want to go the Olympics – “Some players would climb mountains to go to the Olympics while others seem to debate if it’s worth an extra walk around the block “

By: Aaress Lawless

Aaress Lawless — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:37:17 +0000

No official reason, as of yet. But it was pretty clear that Amelie was named to the squad, so she had to officially withdraw for the 2nd time.

Good question on the things players might give up to go to the Olympics, Paula! Off the top of my head, many players are willing to sacrifice prize money—and in times past, ranking points just to participate.

Any other ideas?

By: PaulaV

PaulaV — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:32:23 +0000

Wow. Any reason given for her pulling out of singles?

By: PaulaV

PaulaV — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:12:39 +0000

Nice one, POV – didn’t even think that the arm analogy wouldn’t work in this conversation.
I’ll have to think of another analogy…but what exactly would a tennis player be willing to give up to go to the Olympics? (not including body parts.)

By: Suze

Suze — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:05:28 +0000

Not surprised really. France has other promising
youngsters who can replace them if need be. I guess the dilemma is always picking someone who can deal with both singles and doubles games. Mary Pierce was never a certainty to begin with.
Much like Lindsay Davenport and Lisa Raymond. You
can count on Lisa in the doubles, more so if she partners with Liezel. Well, they may have their reasons for the selections made.

By: pov

pov — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:45:32 +0000

They’ll probably do a lot better competing with both arms intact – umm yeah. ;^)

That said, when I read the first version I had thought that Mauresmo could well tell them to forget it. It was very strange for them to pick Pierce over her, then to want her to go as a replacement?

By: Van

Van — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:44:15 +0000

Hi all! I never understood why they named Mary Pierce to the squad anyway!

It seems every now and then there are glitches about players being named to national squads. Like why does Lisa Raymond always get left off of Olympics teams?

By: pov

pov — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:43:17 +0000

Tough to compete without their right arms – umm yeah. ;^) That said, when I read the first version I had thought that Mauresmo could well tell them to forget it. It was very strange for them to pick Pierce over her, then to want her to go as a replacement?

By: Aaress Lawless

Aaress Lawless — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:23:16 +0000

Paula, I agree, but maybe Amelie wanted to head to Beijing as a serious contender, not just a player enjoying the Olympic experience?

Playing doubles with Tatiana Golovin might have made Amelie think twice about the trip. Golovin has only won three matches this season and has not been seen on the Tour since May because of a back injury—hardly the best preparation for the Olympics.

Still, the Olympics are not always about personal achievements, especially if you are playing a team event like doubles.

By: PaulaV

PaulaV — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:10:08 +0000

Personally, I don’t understand why Mauresmo withdrew in the first place. Playing doubles in the Olympics isn’t so bad, right? Sounds like she didn’t think it was worth the effort.
It’s funny, some players would give their right arm to compete in the Olympics and represent their country, while others are kindof on the fence about it. Maybe it’s because she’s already won a medal.