Tennis at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games: A Wimbledon race against time in Carson
World Tennis has confirmed the qualification structure for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Six specific spots are reserved for players outside the standard ranking criteria, with two of these places set aside for former Grand Slam champions or Olympic gold medalists. This rule creates a potential path for Venus and Serena Williams to represent the United States in their home region.
The tennis events will be hosted at the USTA training complex in Carson, California, located about 15 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The site includes a 10,000-seat permanent stadium along with two temporary show courts and eight additional field courts. Competition is scheduled to begin shortly after the conclusion of Wimbledon in July 2028.
Organizers are adjusting the tournament calendar to maximize participation from top athletes. The mixed doubles competition will now lead the event schedule, starting on July 19 and concluding by July 20. This timing shift aims to attract high-level talent who might otherwise prioritize individual events or depart before the conclusion of the Games.
Draw sizes are set at 64 players for singles, 32 for doubles, and 16 for mixed doubles. The proximity of the tournament start date to the end of Wimbledon presents a logistical challenge for players moving between the grass courts of London and the hard courts in California. Officials expect this format to keep the schedule tight as the race for Olympic medals commences.