Raymond takes over from Capriati at Olympics

Lisa Raymond has replaced Jennifer Capriati in the United States line-up for the women’s singles in Athens.

Capriati, who as a teenager became the 1992 champion, had to withdraw from the US line-up because of a strained right hamstring.

The news means that Raymond, who is ranked 40th in the world and therefore meets the required entry standard of the Olympic tournament, will compete in both singles and doubles.

The 30-year-old is due to partner 47-year-old Martina Navratilova in the doubles.

Twelve years since her victory in Barcelona, Capriati was frustrated to be ruled out of this summer’s Games.

“This was such a tough decision, and I am truly disappointed that the strain to my hamstring re-injured last week in Montreal will preclude me from competing for the US Olympic tennis team in Athens,” she said in a statement.

“My Olympic experience at the 1992 Games in Barcelona remains one of the most special in my career and I waited until the last minute, hoping I could again represent my country.”

The Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, are to compete in the singles and doubles, while Chanda Rubin is also entered in the singles.