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Olympic fever grips tennis champions

March 27, 2008

Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova says she would prefer to win an Olympic gold medal this year over any of the Grand Slams.

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

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    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."

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