(December 17, 2011) By now it is no secret that Serena and Venus Williams have made it clear that they expect to not only compete at the Olympics in 2012, but they expect to repeat as the doubles gold medalists. While it is difficult to imagine many teams that could threaten them, are they even eligible to play?
The ITF has always felt that in order for a player to represent their country at the Olympics, they needed to support the same cause during the annual team competitions, Davis Cup and Fed Cup. While knowing that the Williams sisters do not compete in extra tournament often, or as all usually, how would this rule apply to them?
While there are many conditions that need to be met for qualification, the most important one reads, “They must also have made themselves available for selection to represent their country in Davis Cup or Fed Cup for two of the following years - 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 - provided one of those years is 2011 or 2012.”
At first glance, this indicates a potential problem, as Serena Williams has not played a Fed Cup match since 2007, easily disqualifying her. However, the same could be said for the 2008 Olympics, where she managed to qualifying, and win, despite having played on that one match in 2007 for the four year period.
How exactly does this work? Essentially it works on the same theory as magic and technicalities in the wording of the rules. When most people read the rule, it indicates that a player must participate in Fed Cup in two of the four years, and one of those years must be the year of, or the year preceding, the Olympics.
The rule is interpreted very differently by a lawyer, who focuses instead on what exactly does it mean to “make themselves available for selection?” This is the same interpretation that Serena used to qualify for the 2008 Olympics, and the same that both players will try to use this year despite not participating in Fed Cup at all.
What exactly does it mean to be available? Some believe that means that you travel with the team and compete in at least one match, while others believe that it is simply telling the Fed Cup captain, “I can play,” whether that is true or not.
In theory, players like the Williams sisters could simply call US captain and say that they are available, but not in the best condition due to lingering injuries. Some would interpret that as being available, while others believe that is the exact definition of not being available.
In this respect, Venus Williams will have a slight edge over her sister because she did travel with the team earlier this year even though there was no chance of her competing due to injury. Ultimately, the final decision will rely on a mutual compromise between the ITF and the USTA, who both have to agree that the two fulfilled their obligations.
All evidence indicates however, that neither sister had any intention of ever playing in Fed Cup to support and represent their country. So, the question remains, despite the fact that they did not meet eligibility requirements, will they still be allowed to compete thanks to creative interpretation and legal technicalities?