However, since it only happens every four years, it is perhaps even more important to some players.

Like Grand Slam events medals are on offer in the men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles.

Some top players aren't going to be there as the Olympics happen just before the US Open Grand Slam tournament.

Who are the British hopes for Athens? That would be Tim Henman again, who is most likely to take the sole spot on offer to Great Britain.

He could be joined by Greg Rusedski in the doubles.

There aren't any British women competing at the Olympics.

Who are the big names?
Wimbledon finalists Roger Federer and Andy Roddick are sure to do well, as both are in excellent form and the hard court the event it is played on will suit them.

In the women's event the Williams sisters will again expect to do well, after Venus won the singles in 2000 and teamed up with Serena in the doubles for gold too.

But traditionally in Olympic tennis there have often been surprises, with Tim Henman and Neil Broad winning silver in the doubles back in 1996.