Best memory

"My best memory is winning the gold but I always think back to the opening ceremonies in '96. The United States were the last country to come out and I was with Mary Joe (Fernandez) and Monica (Seles), two of my best friends on the tour.

"It was a moment I'll never forget. We were so excited and giddy and, like, pure joy. Sitting there, we were all crying when Muhammad Ali lit the torch. I always kind of think back to that moment."

Kuznetsova was brought up in a family where the Olympic Games represented the ultimate in sport.

Her father, Alexandr Kuznetsov, coached six Olympic and world cycling champions, including her mother, Galina Tsareva, a six-times world champion.

"For me it's very important," said the 22-year-old, who won her first grand slam title at the 2004 US Open. "It's like a grand slam or even maybe more important than that."

Asked whether she would prefer to win Wimbledon or an Olympic gold medal this year, Kuznetsova replied, "Olympic gold medal. No question."

Pressed if she would change her mind if the French Open was the alternative, she said, "It would come very close, you know. I hope I don't need to choose this one.

"Well, if I have one grand slam and I would have one Olympic medal it would be good. I have chances to win (grand slams) next year, you know, but then there is no Olympics."

(China Daily via Agencies March 29, 2008)