(28 July 1996; Day 9)
Just one week ago, Mary Joe FERNANDEZ wasn't even supposed to play singles. Now she's an Olympic tennis quarterfinalist.
A last-minute singles replacement for her injured teammate, Chanda RUBIN, the seventh-seeded FERNANDEZ has capitalized on a late opportunity and is rolling through the Olympic draw. She has dropped only one set in the last three matches, and Sunday advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Argentina's Ines GORRACHATEGUI.
"It wasn't easy at all," FERNANDEZ said of the straight set victory. "I came out playing well from the start, but there were a couple of really close games. I was able to hang in there and get a good lead, which gave me a lot of confidence."
Originally selected to play doubles-only, FERNANDEZ was the fifth player on the United States' four-woman Olympic team, one over the maximum allowed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The ITF made an exception in FERNANDEZ' case and gave her special admission to the Games, allowing her to defend her 1992 doubles gold medal with partner Gigi FERNANDEZ (no relation).
But Mary Joe was also a singles bronze medalist in Barcelona, and as the world's No. 8-ranked singles player, many felt she should have been selected for singles outright. Ever the diplomat, FERNANDEZ expressed her disappointment in not being chosen but emphasized her pride in representing the U.S. in any forum.
Despite the controversy, the discussion became moot on July 20, when RUBIN withdrew from the Olympic singles tournament three days before competition was scheduled to begin. As the highest-ranking alternate, FERNANDEZ was suddenly given an opportunity many felt she should have gotten to begin with.
"It's a shame Chanda can't play," FERNANDEZ said. "She really earned the right to. It's unfortunate that her wrist injury will prevent her from competing. However, I am excited and honored to represent my country and look forward to playing."
After Sunday's third-round victory, what FERNANDEZ now has to look forward to is a quarterfinal match-up with second-seeded Conchita MARTINEZ (ESP). But unlike Barcelona, a win in the quarterfinals will not guarantee her a second bronze medal. This year's semifinal losers will play for official third place, and even FERNANDEZ admits is "it's probably better this way."
"It was a great feeling winning my quarterfinal match and knowing I had a medal," she said. "But I think there should probably be only one bronze medalist. Although it will be hard to repeat our efforts in Barcelona, both myself and the team will be giving our best."
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Melissa Horton.
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| The Mother Nature was kind to Olympic athletes and spectators. The average high temperature during the Games was 89 degrees with an average low of 72 degrees. Highest temperature registered (20 July) - 99 degrees. Lowest high temperature registered is 79 degrees (28 July). |