A big draw, no doubt

The stars of the sport this time have shown better collective interest in the Games. Tennis’s reintroduction as a medal sport has witnessed a slow, yet steady change in the way the Olympics is perceived, writes Nandita Sridhar.

An Olympic year in tennis begins with an additional demand to the difficult enough ask of a calendar Slam. Thereafter, the Olympics is a test of priorities and levels of motivation. In the midst of the change-of-guard in men’s tennis, the Olympics is both an experience and a distraction before the US Open. The women, in their uniquely uniform fashion, approach the task, almost as they would a Grand Slam.

The stars of the sport this time have shown better collective interest in the Games. Tennis’s reintroduction as a medal sport has witnessed a slow, yet steady change in the way the Olympics is perceived. Steffi Graf’s stupendous feat in 1988, when she achieved the ‘Golden Slam’ (an exploit that set an impossible standard of excellence), made an Olympic medal worth fighting for.

From failing to evoke feelings proportional to the stature of the Olympics, the Games — thanks to its high profile and extensive and elaborate media attention — has come a certain distance from the days of apathy.

With the changing geography of the Games, players from Eastern Europe see sport playing a crucial role in shaping national identity. Performing on an Olympic stage is alien to most, but the thrill of representing their nations and in playing a role that’s routine for their countrymen, are definite attractions.

World No.1 Ana Ivanovic spoke of the entire Olympic experience that most players will look to savour. “I grew up watching our athletes at various Olympic Games and I was especially excited when the men’s basketball team won the silver medal (Serbia was part of Yugoslavia back then) at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

I will be truly honoured to represent Serbia in my first appearance at the Olympics and it’s something I have dreamed of since I was a little girl. I am also looking forward to meeting other athletes in the Olympic village and watching different events such as volleyball and water polo,” she said.

The feeling could work both ways. The atmosphere could result in reduced levels of intensity. While the viewing experience would differ, players’ motivation — specially in demanding situations — will be put through a severe test.

Fans hope for a Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal clash in the Olympics, bringing forth a unique dimension to the compelling rivalry. How much difference will their records make in the quadrennial event? How would both respond to the stage, and how worthy would a medal be of pushing themselves and bringing the best out of each other?

Federer’s desire for an Olympic gold has been conveyed on more occasions than one. “The Olympics is a whole different tournament. It’s just so different because it’s only every four years.

“You’re part of that whole Olympic experience, which is quite different for us players. We’re used to the hotel feeling and then come to the courts and always see the same people.

At the Olympic Games it’s just a huge tournament and we’re just one of the sports. So it obviously changes a little bit in the mindset. Nevertheless, for me, it’s as important as a Grand Slam,” he said.

As the Swiss admitted in the past, his loss to Tomas Berdych in Athens hurt and has resulted in the interest one has seen from him in claiming an Olympic gold. Players’ individual preferences vary, as is the case of Rafael Nadal, whose concession to diplomacy hasn’t altered his preference for Grand Slams.

Nadal will go in as the favourite for gold after the spectacular French-Wimbledon double. As one saw from Venus Williams and Justine Henin, who won gold when at their peak, the stars in the women’s draw are expected to fire.

Venus will be the favourite, based not just on her Wimbledon win, but on her desire and motivation for an Olympic gold. “I love the Olympics. To add to my medals is just, it would be amazing. It’s probably bigger than a Slam, I think so, definitely. And you know how much I love Wimbledon, it’s bigger than Wimbledon.”

Sania Mirza’s injury-plagued season has seen her drop in the rankings. Expectations from her in singles and doubles have been lowered, which would call for a dream run for a surprise result in one of the strongest women’s draws.

The men should watch out for the threat of a floater. Players who emerge when national duties beckon see an opportunity in even the slightest betrayal of weakness.

Not for them is savouring the unique atmosphere of the Games, or in merely being part of the occasion. In the less intense atmosphere, they sense an occasion as good as any, in making an indelible mark.