Ginepri’s French showing earns U.S. Olympic berth

PARIS – Robby Ginepri’s stay at the French Open is lasting longer than anticipated, and his travel schedule for August has been scrambled, too.

He’s Beijing-bound.

Ginepri clinched a berth on the U.S. Olympic team by winning three matches this week at Roland Garros. Saturday he became the lone American to reach the fourth round, beating Florent Serra 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Ginepri is projected to climb from 88th into the top 60 in the next rankings, and the cutoff for making the men’s singles draw is expected to be in the mid-70s. Olympic slots will be filled based on the rankings of June 9, the day after the French Open.

“I’m definitely pleased to have the opportunity to play,” Ginepri said. “It wasn’t on the prior schedule, so we’re going to have to sit down and probably rearrange some things.”

James Blake and Sam Querrey will also play singles for the United States in Beijing, joined by the top-ranked doubles team of Mike and Bob Bryan.

The U.S. women’s team is expected to include Venus and Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Ashley Harkleroad and top-ranked doubles player Liezel Huber.

Davenport won the gold medal in singles in 1996. Venus Williams won a gold in singles and another in doubles with Serena in 2000.

With a handful of players declining to play at Beijing and others hoping to receive special places, Olympic rosters won’t be announced until late June. Rankings could be affected by the results of small-circuit tournaments next week.

Players from other countries are scrambling for slots, too. Teams will consist of up to six men and six women. A maximum of four from one nation qualify for singles.