The Brazilian hopefuls aiming to make history on home territory
Brazilian tennis players have played in every Olympic tennis competition since the sport was re-introduced to the Olympics in 1988. Despite their strong representation, the country has never won a medal in the sport. This drought could finally come to an end on their home territory with third seeds Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares playing in the men’s doubles.
The two competed together at the London 2012 Games, falling in the quarterfinals. Since then, both men have enjoyed success on the doubles tour. Melo won the 2015 French Open title with Ivan Dodig and Soares triumphed at the 2016 Australian Open with Jamie Murray. Playing in the Olympic Games in their home country is a once in a lifetime opportunity for both men, who have known each other since they were six years old. The prospect of making history is a daunting task, however, Melo is determined to enjoy life at the Olympics.
“It’s going to be special to be in Brazil. Brazilians, we love sport, so we want to do a good event. For me, the people who are going to go there are really going to enjoy it. It’s going to be really fantastic.” Melo told The Globe and Mail.
Melo and Soares are two out of seven players representing Brazil in Rio. Other Brazilian participants include Thomaz Bellucci, Rogerio Dutra Silva, Teliana Pereira, Andre Sa and Paula Cristina Goncalves.
