TENNIS in DEPTH.

Mixed doubles is to be featured at the 2012 Olympic Games after the International Olympic Committee approved its re-inclusion today.

Originally reluctant to enforce the move when the idea was first proposed in August, the IOC decided to bring mixed doubles back to the Olympic tennis schedule as part of their commitment to provide more opportunities for men and women to compete on the same field of play. That, coupled with assurances from the International Tennis Federation that a world-class field will compete in the event.

ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti said “The ITF is very happy and grateful that the IOC Executive Board has decided to add mixed doubles to the programme for the Olympic Tennis Event for London 2012 and beyond.”

“We believe that this addition will make Olympic Tennis a truly unique event, with top players having the opportunity to compete for their countries and the honour of an Olympic Medal in three distinct disciplines: singles, doubles and mixed doubles.”

Sixteen pairs will battle it out in the mixed doubles in an elimination format, while all five Olympic tennis events will take place at Wimbledon’s All England Club.

Bookmark It