Maria Sharapova, Li Na, Ana Ivanovic Among WTA Stars Ready For 2012 London Olympics

Maria Sharapova

In 2008, Maria Sharapova was injured and missed an opportunity to play for the Russian Olympic team. Fast forward to 4 years later and not only will she be the top player on the Russian Olympic Tennis squad, she will carry the Russian flag during the opening ceremony, one of several tennis players who will carry the flag for their country. So far, 8 countries will have tennis players carry their flag, with a few countries who still haven’t named their flag-bearer. It would have been 9 countries, as Rafael Nadal was to have carried the flag for Spain until he pulled out with an injury. Some players have even said that the Olympics mean more to them than the traditional tennis Majors. If I ever lived my tennis fantasy life, I would value the Olympics and Davis Cup above all other tournaments. The honor of playing for my country would be unsurpassed.