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ITF ramps up Olympic qualifying criteria

Maria Sharapova is opposed to the changes © PA Photos

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The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has risked the wrath of the top players by confirming its intention to change the Olympic qualifying criteria.

Under the current rules, a player must be available to play Davis Cup or Fed Cup twice in an Olympic cycle, but ahead of the 2016 Games in Rio, that requirement will be increased to four.

"The Olympics has become a very important part of the tennis calendar with most players looking at an Olympic medal as an honour close to a grand slam title, including the mixed doubles," ITF spokesperson Barbara Travers told TENNIS.com.

"But the Olympics is not a regular tournament; it takes more than ranking to participate. In order to compete in the Olympics, every athlete must be in good standing with their national governing body.

"The mechanism to demonstrate the willingness to represent your country in tennis is by making yourself available to play Davis Cup or Fed Cup, something we acknowledge that most players have embraced.

"The reward is playing in the Olympics, which we feel should be a privilege reserved for those players who clearly demonstrate that playing for their countries is a priority. We also think the rule should reflect that tennis is an annual calendar and Davis Cup/Fed Cup are annual competitions."

Maria Sharapova, who has played just three times for Russia, has voiced her objections to the changes.

"I'm disappointed," Sharapova said. "I met with the ITF one-on-one in Miami. They didn't listen to us at all."

However, there are some loopholes to the rule. If a player makes themselves available but is not selected to compete because the strength of nation's squad is too strong, or a long-term injury has restricted appearances, allowances will be made. There are also caveats for players who have made big jumps up the rankings.

The qualification window will also start immediately after the London 2012 Games, rather than the start of the following year. The ITF Olympic Committee will meet in June to finalise the changes.

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