U.S. Names 12 to Represent Nation in Tennis at 2016 Olympic Games

July 15, 2016 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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Photo credit: IOC/Jason Evans

The USTA has announced the 12 men and women who will represent the United States in tennis at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. The finalists were named Friday morning via a Facebook post on the USTA’s Facebook Page. Action gets underway in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, Aug. 5, with the Closing Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 21.

Representing the men are Brian Baker, Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan, Steve Johnson, Dennis Kudla and Jack Sock. The women’s tennis team will be comprised of Madison Keys, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Sloane Stephens, Coco Vandeweghe, Serena Williams and Venus Williams.

Among those representing the U.S. in 2016, Bob and Mike Bryan have prior Olympic experience, both having earned a Gold Medal in 2012 and Bronze Medal in 2008. With the selection to the 2016 team, the Bryans earn their fourth trip to the Games.

Venus and Serena Williams have found success at the Olympics, taking home three Gold Medals in 2000, 2008 and 2012. Serena, participating in her fourth Olympics, took home the Gold in singles in 2012 at the London Games, while Serena, in her fifth Olympic Games, earned Gold 16 years ago in singles at the Sydney Olympics.

“The USTA is extremely proud of the 12 athletes who have worked countless hours on and off the court to earn the opportunity to represent the United States at the Rio Games,” said Katrina Adams, USTA chairman, CEO and president. “It’s going to be an exciting time for the eight first-time Olympians and for the four returning Gold Medalists.  I’m looking forward to watching them compete as they look to claim Gold.”

Last month, the USTA announced that Mary Joe Fernandez and USTA Player Development Head of Men’s Tennis Jay Berger, were named, respectively, as the Women’s and Men’s Coaches of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Tennis Teams.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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