Bellucci only Brazilian in Olympics tennis singles

Rio De Janerio, June 27 (IANS) Thomaz Bellucci will be Brazil's sole singles representative at the London Olympics, the Brazilian Tennis Confederation (CBT) announced.

The World No.76 received a wildcard for the singles draw at the All-England Club and will pair up with Andre Sa in the doubles, Xinhua reports. Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares will also compete in the doubles event.

'I' m very happy with the news,' Bellucci said, hours after being eliminated from Wimbledon with a straight-sets loss to world No.2 Rafael Nadal in the opening round.

Bellucci' s inclusion continues Brazil' s record of having at least one representative in the men' s draw since tennis was reinstated as an Olympic sport in 1988 after a 64-year absence.

Brazil has never won an Olympic tennis medal. Fernando Meligeni went closest at the 1996 Games in Atlanta when he lost the bronze medal playoff against India's Leander Paes.