Olympic Blog: More Than Just Ping Pong

BEIJING, China - The Olympics are all encompassing–friendly competition, comradery, sportsmanship and fun. Tennis is arguably not the most popular sport on the Olympic agenda – trailing the likes of swimming, track, gymnastics and beach volleyball. However with an amazing set up just north of the Birds Nest, the week-long tennis competition will be one to watch. How will the host nation fare?

Traditionally, China performs well in sports such as table tennis, badminton and swimming. In 2008, there are a handful of events that should intrigue us – the country’s strong representation in hurdles (Liu Xiang – world champion and gold medalist in Athens), basketball (Houston Rocket’s Yao Ming) and now, tennis.

Zheng Jie performed smashingly at Wimbledon, with a semi-finals showing at the All-England Club. As a wild card entrant, her path deep into the second week was surprising yet inspirational to see. It was Serena Williams who prevented Jie from reaching her first Grand Slam final. She will be keen to take her solid performance on grass into the Games and attempt to snare an illusive gold medal in the women’s singles event. This won’t be an easy feat – both Williams sisters will be there (in addition to Lindsay Davenport) for the U.S., Ivanovic and Jankovic will be stepping out for Serbia and how can we forget the Russian contingent?

If the Chinese girls are successful, this will add to the surprise women’s doubles gold medal won in Athens by Li Ting and Sun Tian Tian. Yan Zi, Peng Shuai and Li Na will join Zheng in the singles draw, whilst Sun Tian Tian rounds up the doubles group.

There is always a sense of excitement when the host nation steps out. Performing well will definitely be in the hearts and minds of the Chinese team, with morale bolstered by the home crowd support.

Tania’s picks of the Chinese players for Round One

9 – Vera Zvonareva (RUS) vs. Zi Yan (CHN)
Zvonareva is a tough opponent any day of the week, especially when her backhand is on song. Her best results came in 2003-2004 and this is a great arena for her to reassert herself. Yan has had a disappointing year, with a first round exit at all three Grand Slams in singles to date. Playing a local will be nerving and possibly distracting, but don’t expect an upset here.
Vera Zvonareva in 2 sets

Shuai Peng (CHN) vs. Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP)
Peng is Seles-esque in her playing style, hitting double handed off both sides. Having been under the guidance of Michael Chang in the past, she will be keen to perform well at home. Navarro has been a season campaigner (particularly in doubles) and plays well offensively and defensively. Expect a steadfast match from both girls.
Shuai Peng in 3 sets

Na Li (CHN) vs. 3 – Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)
Kuznetsova is the top seeded Russian in the singles following Sharapova’s withdrawal earlier this week. Li has been injury plagued of late but has had some solid match practice. Yips aside, Sveta’s experience and movement around the court should be too good for Na Li.
Svetlana Kuznetsova in 2 sets

11 – Agnes Szavay (HUN) vs. Jie Zheng (CHN)
Coming off her semifinal birth at this year’s Wimbledon, Jie now knows she has what it takes to make it into the latter rounds of a tournament. This is Szavay’s first Olympic Games. Her best results have come off the hard courts and she too performed well in England, reaching the round of 16. The winner will have a potential match up with Atlanta gold medalist Lindsay Davenport in the 3rd Round and as with the other Chinese girls, the home crowd support will play a significant role.
Jie Zheng in 2 sets

Tennis commences at the Tennis Centre on the Olympic Green from 10 Aug – 17 Aug.

Tania Tchea is a tennis enthusiast and aspiring sports writer / presenter from Melbourne, Australia. She has experience working at the Commonwealth Games, FINA World Swimming Championships and other National Football Clubs, however her passion is tennis.

She has often been described as a Human Almanac of Tennis due to her strong knowledge of the game at a national and international level. Tania has previously worked for the Australian Open and Tennis Australia.