The Scoop Newsletter - August 2008

Golden Opportunity The US Open is usually the players’ last opportunity of the season for major glory, but this year the Olympic Games give them another shot at a significant prize. Most of the usual favorites will be in Beijing, but don’t bet the house on a top seed prevailing, as Christopher Clarey explains in our Olympic preview. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) Going for Gold: Top players targeting Olympics

Chinese Fortunes China has made a concerted effort to showcase their athletic talents at this year’s Olympic Games. One of the sports they are hoping to succeed at – in the short and long term – is tennis. With a population of over one billion and plenty of resources to fund tennis development, China – in theory – should produce some excellent players. But will they? Tom Perrotta examines their prospects. (Illustration by Sean McCabe, photo by Getty Images) China: Rising tennis superpower or paper tiger?

The Fall of an Empire It took over four and a half years, but someone finally ended Roger Federer’s reign as the world’s top-ranked tennis player. Fittingly, it’s Rafael Nadal, who, after three years of trying, has finally toppled the mighty Swiss with an amazing stretch of tennis. But what’s causing Federer’s slump? Miguel Seabra weighs in, saying the problem isn’t Federer’s game or his state of mind, but an outdated tennis racquet. (Photo by David Kohl/AP) Stick Shift: Time for Federer to rethink his racquet?

The World’s Best? The WTA Tour is also about to crown a new No. 1. Jelena Jankovic will soon unseat Ana Ivanovic despite never having reached a Grand Slam final in her career. Some think Jankovic deserves the title because of her relentless work ethic, while others will hardly acknowledge it, chalking it up to the current parity within the WTA’s upper echelon. Whichever side you’re on, it’s interesting to see why things are the way they are. Kamakshi Tandon and Robert Waltz explain. (Photo by Getty Images for WTA Tour) Just A Number: Jankovic begins as weakest No. 1

Get the (Moving) Picture In TENNIS’com’s Quick Hits with Peter Bodo, Bodo provides insight on what might happen at the Olympics and breaks down the format of the competition. (Photo via TENNIS.com) Watch Quick Hits with Peter Bodo

Let the Games Begin Sports fans all over the country are geared up for the Olympics and looking forward to an unprecedented volume of coverage from NBC. All the tennis action will be available live and on-demand at NBCOlympics.com, and TENNIS.com’s Ed McGrogan and Steve Tignor will be bringing you text commentary from Monday onwards. (Photo by Behrouz Mehri/AFP Getty) See more Olympics coverage from TENNIS.com

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