ENTHUSIASM WILL TAKE TIME TO GROW.

Byline: Lauren Gustus Staff Writer

An Olympic gold medal in tennis isn't nearly as prestigious as a Grand Slam title. At least that's what most players believe.

Players are voted into the Tennis Hall of Fame based on their Grand Slam victories. On Andre Agassi's resume, his eight Grand Slam titles are listed above his Olympic gold.

Serena Williams and Jennifer Capriati, top players on the women's tour and former Olympians, had little trouble deciding against competing in the Athens Games because of injuries.

``The emphasis on how great and how much of a challenge it is to win a gold medal in tennis isn't as much of an emphasis as swimming or diving, in those types of sports,'' said Venus Williams, the 2000 gold medalist. ``I think it should be.''

Tennis was reinstated as an Olympic sport in 1988, so it doesn't have the history of other sports. U.S. men's coach Patrick McEnroe believes that's why it's not the top billing for many players.

``When I was on tour, we didn't think of tennis as an Olympic sport,'' McEnroe said. ``I'd even given question as to whether tennis should be an Olympic sport.''

But he believes the players' enthusiasm can change the way tennis is regarded at the Games.

``Now I'm for it,'' McEnroe said. ``When I hear young players talk about it, I get excited. The point is they've grown up with tennis in the Olympics. They're up for it.''

This year's group is looking forward to seeing other sports, staying in the same place as the rest of the athletes and participating in activities that are a major part of the Olympics experience.

`` I'm excited to roam around the Olympic Village,'' Mardy Fish said.

But Fish sees the same players at the Olympics as he does in ATP tournaments throughout the year. The competition is nothing new.

McEnroe, who also coaches the U.S. Davis Cup team, thinks Olympic tennis can grow in stature if the current system is changed.

The United States will send two teams to Athens - the men led by McEnroe and the women by Zina Garrison. Each squad consists of four singles players and two doubles teams. They travel as a group and stay in the Village together but compete as individuals.

``Olympics in tennis should be a team format,'' McEnroe said. ``There should also be individual opportunities to medal, a la gymnastics and swimming. I know they're talking about it for 2008. You have to look at how excited players are for Davis Cup.''

In Davis Cup, players compete as a team for their country.

The U.S. would be the strong favorite for a team medal on both the men's and women's sides.

Andy Roddick tops the men's team and will by joined by Fish, Vince Spadea and Taylor Dent, three top-30 players. The roster is rounded out by brothers Bob and Mike Bryan of Camarillo, the No. 2 doubles team in the world.

``I think we could win (a team medal).'' Mike Bryan said. ``Andy is favored. We're favored. Probably Roger (Federer, No. 1) would give us trouble, but what else does Switzerland have? What do they have in doubles?''

The women's side includes Venus Williams, Chanda Rubin and Lisa Raymond in singles. Martina Navratilova will make her Olympics debut at age 47 with doubles partner Raymond. The other doubles team will be Venus Williams and Rubin.

The U.S. has won the women's singles gold in the past three Olympics. With world No. 2 Kim Clijsters of Belgium out and world No. 1 Justin Henin-Hardenne fighting a viral infection the past few months, the women's bid also looks strong.

Lauren Gustus, [phone]

lauren.gustus(at)dailynews.com

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