BEST MEMORY

"My best memory is winning the gold but I always think back to the opening ceremonies in '96. The United States were the last country to come out and I was with Mary Joe (Fernandez) and Monica (Seles), two of my best friends on the tour.

"It was a moment I'll never forget. We were so excited and giddy and, like, pure joy. Sitting there, we were all crying when Muhammad Ali lit the torch. I always kind of think back to that moment."

Kuznetsova was brought up in a family where the Olympic Games represented the ultimate in sport.

Her father, Alexandr Kuznetsov, coached six Olympic and world cycling champions, including her mother, Galina Tsareva, a six-times world champion.

"For me it's very important," said the 22-year-old, who won her first grand slam title at the 2004 U.S. Open. "It's like a grand slam or even maybe more important than that."

Asked whether she would prefer to win Wimbledon or an Olympic gold medal this year, Kuznetsova replied: "Olympic gold medal. No question."

Pressed if she would change her mind if the French Open was the alternative, she said: "It would come very close, you know. I hope I don't need to choose this one.

"Well, if I have one grand slam and I would have one Olympic medal it would be good. I have chances to win (grand slams) next year, you know, but then there is no Olympics."