WTA players will receive points for 2004 Olympic competition

PARIS -- Women will receive rankings points for their Olympic results for the first time in 2004, a change designed to encourage participation.

The men's tour began awarding rankings points for the Olympics in 2000.

The change for women was announced Thursday at the French Open by the International Tennis Federation.

"This agreement will make the event even more meaningful to our players," WTA Tour chairman Larry Scott said.

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That makes real sense to give players ranking points for what, in some degree, is a GS competition.

About time, too.

I can't help but feel bittersweet about this, though. Just think how highly ranked Capriati, Dementieva and Sanchez-vicario would have been had the Olympics been rightfully included in their ranking points totals.

And then think of all the greats who could have won medals with that extra encouragement to play: Hingis, Seles etc.

Still, here's to the future! Now all we need is a roof over Wimbledon Centre Court. :)

I am just wondering how it's going to work?

would it be a bit unfair?
There used to have some limitation of the no. of players from one country or region? 3 or 4, I thought?
and let's say americans, french, or russians... there are so many players in top 50 or 100... even if some players want to get points, they can not participate?

and if they earn some points at the olympic... they are just going to lose the point next year?? no way to defend the points, i guess??

are there going to be a qualifying too?? :p

just curious

im wondering abt that too... will the points remain for another year and the olympics will be replaced by a tournament?

How it will be rated??? a GS points? tier 1 or what????

Great change!

But still lots of questions...