China's top tennis player Li Na "slammed her tennis federation after being blindsided by their decision to enter her into the Olympic doubles tournament," according to REUTERS. The 2011 French Open champion was named in the women's singles and doubles in an entry list released by the Int'l Tennis Federation on Tuesday. Li's team told local media earlier this month that she "hoped to focus only on the singles given her injuries, regardless of Chinese sports officials' wishes to have her play in both tournaments." Li said, "If it were true, I don't know why they wanted me to play doubles" (REUTERS, 6/28). The Chinese Tennis Association said that the ITF's list does not guarantee Li will appear in the doubles. CTA spokesperson Xie Miqing said, "It's not decided yet. The ITF announced the list based on the rankings but still has to confirm with us and the players [whether the listed athletes will play or not]" (CHINA DAILY, 6/28). Li said that the CTA has "never consulted her before releasing" the roster for the Olympic Games. Li said, "I knew nothing before a friend texted me about this. I just felt surprised. I hope they should show some respect to the players" (XINHUA, 6/28).
