Olympics 2012: Why It's a Shame Tennis Pros Care More About Grand Slams

With the 2012 London Olympics tennis tournament set to get underway at Wimbledon, the top performers in the sport have a chance to compete for medals and national glory.

But for various reasons, the Olympics don't hold as much weight for them as the Grand Slam events.

The annual major events in tennis capture the imagination and the competitive spirit of every tennis player, and rightfully so. They're fantastic events that are a part of the culture of the sport each spring and summer.

The Olympics aren't cherished nearly as much by the players and fans, but they should be.

It's a terrific way for them to represent their country on the biggest sports stage of the world, claim supremacy in the sport and be a part of something bigger than themselves.

Here are few key reasons why it's a shame tennis players care more about the Grand Slams than the Olympics.

Olympics Are the Ultimate World Stage

The Olympics are the pinnacle of sports, and all eyes are on the host city for two full weeks. The games draw hundreds of thousands of live spectators and billions of viewers worldwide.

The overall magnitude of the Olympics should give the tennis competition an added electricity. All the major athletes from every country have gathered to compete in one city.

There are opening and closing ceremonies to celebrate this occasion of the world coming together and displaying its talents.

Shouldn't the players feel the energy and get as excited as they do for the Grand Slam events?

Prestige for Four Years

Tennis' Grand Slam events are played 16 times more frequently than the Olympic tournament, and each individual major is held four times more frequently than the Olympics.

Yet, for some reason, the Olympics don't draw nearly as much interest and excitement among players or fans.

When tennis stars battle for Olympic medals, they're essentially battling for world bragging rights for four years. That should stand for something. It means that they've achieved the ultimate honor for their country in an event that happens quite rarely.

Competition Is Just as Good

It's not as if the Olympics are simply an exhibition, or an event where only half of the best athletes participate. It's a tough tournament to win, and it's stacked with all the same great competitors you see at the majors.

Nadal is out with injury for the London games, but he's the exception. Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and nearly every other significant challenger will be at Wimbledon for the Olympics.

If you were a top-tier player looking to take down one of the tennis giants (like Djokovic or Federer), wouldn't it be spectacular to challenge them for a medal, win it, and hear your country's national anthem at Centre Court?

Representing Your Country

Every tennis tournament is somewhat of an international event, but the Olympic games are the most visible and distinctive opportunity for tennis pros to represent their countries.

Aside from the national anthems, flag ceremonies and medal count, the Olympics are a chance to display your country's best sportsmanship, heritage and unique identity.

It's unfortunate that those aspects of the Olympics aren't appreciated enough by tennis players.

Being an Olympic champion and contributing to your nation's medal count should hold more weight in the tennis world than it actually does.

Be a Part of a Nation's Team of Athletes from Multiple Sports

At the Olympic games, athletes from every sport have a chance to live and interact with fellow countrymen and with athletes from dozens of countries.

This unique opportunity gives the athletes a greater sense of team, and a clearer context of what they're representing.

What could be more exciting and pride-inducing than the possibility of holding up your end of the deal and achieving success for your team and country?

Follow Daniel on Twitter: @Danielobleacher