OLYMPICS/ Athletes
Olympics more important than Grand Slams - Dementieva
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-18 23:14
BEIJING -- After participating in the Fed Cup in Beijing in 2002, Elena Dementieva made her second trip here to take part in the 600,000 US dollars China Open WTA tournamentn from September 17th to 23rd.
"It is nice experience seeing the city and I am happy to be back again," the 25-year-old Russian looked forward to her debut in the Chinese tournament.
Due to injury, Dementieva didn't perform very well in this year's Grand Slams, however,the fourth-seeded player of the tournament is coming back to her best level.
"This year's Grand Slams were tough for me as I had to recover from injury. But I do feel much better. I participated in the US Open series and reached into the semi-final. I like to play in the hard court. I know this year's China Open will be competitive but I will try my best."
Though many tennis stars see the Grand Slams more important than the Olympic Games, Dementieva, the current No.15 in the WTA rankings, thinks the most important thing is the team work.
"I think the Olympic Games is more important. To represent my own country is an honor to me. I hope I can represent Russia again next year to participate in the Beijing Olympic Games. So I decide to come here and know more about the city."
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