Djokovic, Federer among London Olympics sport heroes

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Djokovic, Federer among London Olympics sport heroes

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Wimbledon stars Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have been marked as London Olympics heroes.

04 July,2012 04:58 pm

Federer, six-time Wimbledon champion, and Djokovic, the current world number one, were among a host of leading male and female players who feature in a new book published to celebrate the Olympics.Just three weeks after Wimbledon finishes, the grass courts at the All England Club will play host to the Olympic tennis event from July 28 to August 5.The International Tennis Federation (ITF) on Wednesday launched its official Olympic book, titled Aspire, Inspire: Celebrating Tennis At The Olympics 2012, to help promote tennis at the Olympics.Writing in the book, Switzerlands Federer, the reigning Olympic doubles champion, chose compatriot and 1992 Olympic tennis champion Marc Rosset as his hero.I heard of a sudden that Marc Rosset won the Olympic gold in singles and it was amazing news. He was a big hero. said Federer, who will carry the Swiss flag at the opening ceremony in London.Knowing Marc later on he told me he didnt even want to go to the Olympics, but he said ok lets go and see what happens and he got the biggest victory of his career.Its amazing how things work out, particularly at the Olympic Games. So for me I guess thats always been an inspiration.Federer himself was picked by Kei Nishikori, who last week became the first Japanese man to reach the Wimbledon third round for 17 years.I used to love him when I was younger and hes always my idol, Nishikori said. I love to watch his tennis. To beat him in the future, thats one of my goals.Serbian Djokovic, a Beijing bronze medallist, nominated Italian skier Alberto Tomba.He stands out as my number one because I come from a skiing family. My father, my uncle and my aunt were skiing professionals, Djokovic said.I remember I used to wake up early every morning and stay up at night to watch Tomba ski live on TV. I admire everything he has done.Spains Rafael Nadal, who won gold in Beijing, recalled his memories of the Barcelona 1992 Olympics.The athletes did fantastic work in Barcelona. I remember the last few metres from Fermin Cacho, thats an image that will going to be in my mind always, Nadal said of the Spanish 1500m gold medallist.Chinas Peng Shuai chose former gymnast Li Ning, who lit the flame at the opening ceremony in Beijing four years ago.When I was young, tennis was not popular at all in China, she said.For the Olympics and the Grand Slams it was just a dream to watch it at home. I never ever thought that one day Id be there.This time at Wimbledon will be different. Its the first time we dont have to play in white. I cant imagine what its going to look like.Maybe everyone should take photos for history in case it never happens againITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti added: I believe this book shows the impact the Olympics has had on the lives of the current generation of tennis players, and how proud they are to represent their countries in the Olympic and Paralympic tennis events.