Varvara Lepchenko gains Olympics spot despite fourth round loss at the French Open – Tennis News
American tennis professional, Varvara Lepchenko, showed great courage to reach the fourth round of the Roland Garros French Open but couldn’t succeed further. She was the last of the recognized American singles players to exit
from the year’s second Grand Slam tournament on Monday; losing to the fourth seed Czech, Petra Kvitova, in straight sets.
However, there is good news for the American. She has probably done enough to confirm her direct entry in the London Olympics, contested later this year. A bittersweet finish to her Grand Slam campaign left her with mixed emotions.
She stated, “I've got real mixed feelings right now. I'm sad but at the same time, I'm excited. I didn't show anyone any tennis today. I made it like a walk in the park."
Lepchenko was sad because she wanted to put up a better display against the reigning Wimbledon Champion. However, she reached the fourth round of the tournament; ousting the likes of former world number one, Jelena Jankovic, and
2009 French Open champion, Francesca Schiavone. These two victories must have boosted her morale and that is required to put up startling shows in tennis.
She further added, “I'm playing in the Olympics and not just for any country, it's the USA. As a kid, you grow up watching the Opening Ceremony and things like that. To be there experiencing that, it's got to be an amazing feeling."
So, we have another potential American representative at the Olympics who will wear red. She will join in the likes of former world number one, Serena Williams, and Christina McHale.
Lepchenko is not an American-born. She belongs to Uzbekistan but recently became a US citizen and awaits the expected waiver from the International Tennis Federation to walk on the red carpet of the Olympics opening ceremony wearing
red colour; representing America. However, ITF reserves the right to disallow her participation as an American because she recently got the citizenship; however, it is highly unlikely. She is eager waiting for the moment when she will march on in Wimbledon
in July. It will be a dream come true for her.
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