Guide to Israel's Olympic team: Andy Ram, Yoni Erlich

One of Israel's best medal hopes the pair has spoken at every opportunity of their dream to win an Olympic medal in Beijing.

By ALLON SINAI
andy ram 224.88 (photo credit: Asaf Kliger [file])
andy ram 224.88
(photo credit: Asaf Kliger [file])
One of Israel's best medal hopes, Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich have spoken at every opportunity of their dream to win an Olympic medal in Beijing. Ranked at No. 5 in the world, the duo is currently experiencing the best year of its career, winning the Australian Open in January and reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon earlier this month. Ram and Erlich, who reached the quarterfinals at the Athens Games, will have one massive advantage at the Olympic tournament. Many of the worlds leading teams are made up of players from different countries and can't play together in Beijing as only two players with the same nationality can compete at the Olympic doubles tournament. As a result, there will be many inexperienced duos in China, giving the Israeli's a big confidence boost even before the tournament begins. The Olympic tennis events do, however, tend to spring surprises. With players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal also in the doubles draw, not to mention the top ranked Bryan brothers, every round promises to be a real challenge.