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Serena Williams decides against mixed doubles

Williams is already competing in singles, and with her sister Venus in women's doubles

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APPTI Wimbledon
I / Wimbledon August 01, 2012, 10:50 IST

Serena Williams decided against playing mixed doubles at the Olympics, and the two US teams will instead feature four doubles specialists -- the Bryan brothers, Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond.

Williams, who is competing in singles and with her sister Venus in women's doubles, had repeatedly said she also wanted to play mixed doubles. Andy Roddick, Bob Bryan and John Isner all sought her as a partner.

"I really wanted to play with Andy and Bob, and I couldn't decide," Williams said. "I can't choose."

In addition, Williams said, she concluded three events were too many. Instead she deferred to Huber, who shares the No. 1 ranking in women's doubles with Raymond.

 

"I don't think it would be appropriate for me to play all three," Williams said. "I thought, Liezel is such a great teammate and team player -- why shouldn't she be able to play two events and win the gold for the USA?"

Huber and her mixed doubles partner, Bob Bryan, have won two Grand Slam titles together. The other US team will be Raymond and Mike Bryan, who won their third major title together at Wimbledon this summer.

Other entries for the competition beginning Wednesday include Lleyton Hewitt and Samantha Stosur of Australia, Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi of Belarus, and Juan Martin del Potro and Gisela Dulko of Argentina.

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First Published: Aug 01 2012 | 10:50 AM IST

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