By Ted LePak

(July 20, 2012) -- Pro tennis players talk about their “teams” all the time. Maria Sharapova has one. So does Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Victoria Azarenka, and the rest of the tour’s top players.

But in the solitary world of professional tennis, these teams are simply support systems made up of massage therapists, “physios,” nutritionists, trainers, coaches, agents, and parents. Each group member has a specialized skill that, combined with the strengths of the rest of the group, gives their athlete the greatest chance of success. While a soccer, volleyball, or baseball team could be characterized in much the same way, a tennis player’s team doesn’t join them on the court. Rather, each competitor fights his or her own lonely battle. 

With that in mind, the ITF should prioritize the creation of an authentic team atmosphere at the Olympics. As Pete Sampras recently put it: "I remember playing my first round [at the Olympics], I was on court 3, Jim Courier was playing at the same time on Stadium Court and you are just playing another match – it’s supposed to be country and team – I just feel like, change the format in some way to make it a little more unique.”

Sampras is exactly right. Players triumphantly walk in as a team at the Opening Ceremonies and wear their national colors on the court, but a more team-oriented format could greatly increase the excitement level for players and fans. Though it’s unlikely that the top players would compete if there were no opportunity for individual gold (and glory), why not add an all-around medal to the mix? Giving men’s and women’s teams the chance to earn collective gold creates the possibility for the drama Olympic fans crave.

Consider Kerri Strug’s vault to clinch the gold medal for the 1996 U.S. Olympic gymnastics team. Or Jason Lezak’s heroic come-from-behind win in the 4x100m swimming relay in Beijing. Or Carl Lewis’s anchor leg of the 4x100m track and field relay in ‘92.

The performances of these athletes, while memorable, contributed to the greater success of a team. Though the individuality of tennis makes the game unique, it can also breed an unattractive selfishness in some players. Tennis will never be a true team sport, but as World Team Tennis, Davis and Fed Cup, and even college tennis have shown, competing for something other than personal glory has its perks.

A recent New York Times write-up on this summer’s World Team Tennis action detailed players’ opinions on the unique format. John McEnroe “relishes” the chance to be part of a team (each WTT match totals the games won in men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events). Another former No. 1, Martina Hingis, says she is motivated by the presence of teammates on the sidelines. And Venus Williams, who is playing in her ninth WTT season, added, “We play to win every time, no doubt. Last year, we had a come-from-behind victory, and I never fist pumped so hard in my life.”

The team format is clearly a fun change of pace for the players, but it also enhances the fan experience. Collectively cheering for Team [insert country here] lends itself to a rowdier atmosphere, perhaps because some find it more acceptable to heckle a team than a person.

In Division I college tennis, where three simultaneous doubles matches are followed by six simultaneous singles matches, fans are part of non-stop action until one team collects the necessary number of points to win. Matches are preceded and concluded with team cheers, while boisterous fans are encouraged to make as much noise as possible (in between points, of course). During play, competitors can look down a bank of courts and cheer on their teammates during play - a concept it seems Pete Sampras would have appreciated over the current segmented Olympic court assignments.

First-time Olympian John Isner is one of the few ex-college players on the tour, and he expects an uninhibited crowd in London.

"It’ll be very similar to college tennis, like my time at UGA," he said.

While we’re hoping he’s right, the ITF could guarantee an electric atmosphere by scheduling team members on neighboring courts or creating competition for an all-around medal. Players should be allowed to sit on the sidelines in support of their countrymen or women. And why not encourage team cheers before play begins? Fans would pay good money to see Venus and Serena firing up Andy Roddick and John Isner.

It’s unrealistic to think there’s room in the tennis schedule for more team-oriented events, which makes it even more imperative that players receive a true coed team experience at the Olympics. Like the rest of the athletes headed to London, tennis players should get the chance to play for their teammates and country, not just themselves. 

Photo Credit: Philippe Huguen/Getty