London 2012: Timi can play singles at the Olympics

The Hungarian player was the first alternate from June 26 and now she included in the main draw of 64.

The International Tennis Federation said on Thursday that the Romanian Monica Niculescu is injured and will not compete. She’ll be replaced by Timi! She will play singles and doubles with Ágnes Szávay, who starts with protected rank.

Timi featured in the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games, in singles she was 4th and in doubles she won bronze.

"We fought for weeks for the chance, that Timi could play singles at the Olympics. With her performance she deserved to be at London! In addition, Wimbledon is one of her favourite tournament and grass is one of the best surface for her. Last year the Olympics was just a dream ... Unfortunately, the clay court season was not as good as we expected, because the Olympic appearance was uncertain. She was too tense about it at some important games. It was a difficult time for her mentally and intellectually. But now we will prepare for the singles in full steam"- said Timi’s coach and father Csaba Babos.

The Hungarian player last week travels to the United States and few days ago she began an invitational team event with past and present top players. Timi and Csaba will arrive back to Hungary at 24th of July and next day the player takes the direction to London.

"I am delighted; my big dream has come true! Every athlete dreams about the Olympics, it’s still incredible to be there.. I love the grass, Wimbledon, so I hope for a good game in addition, there are other athletes, I cannot wait to meet Hungary's best athletes. Thank everyone for the encouragement and confidence "- wrote Timi from the United States.