US tennis star Nicole Melichar-Martinez has hit out at American selectors after missing out on a place at the Olympic Games despite automatically qualifying due to her ranking. The doubles world No. 9 has admitted she is “saddened” by the snub, with the Paris Games set to get underway at the end of July.

Melichar-Martinez is the highest ranked doubles player in the United States and represented her country at the Tokyo Games three years ago.

But this time around, she has been overlooked in favour of stars Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Danielle Collins, Emma Navarro and Desirae Krawczyk.

And in a note posted to her X page on Friday morning, Melichar-Martinez explained: “First off, congratulations to all those nominated for Team USA for the Paris Olympics!

“I’ve known many of these incredible women since we were kids, and it’s been an honour to compete alongside them over the years.

“I am immensely proud of each and every one of their accomplishments. Many have asked about my nomination, so I want to clarify what happened.

“I am absolutely eager and available to represent Team USA in Paris, but unfortunately, I was not selected.

“This news deeply saddens me as it has been a long standing dream of mine to be on the team again and compete for a medal. In my humble opinion, the Olympic Games are the greatest honour we have in sports.

“According to the ITF rule, a top 10 ranking guarantees a spot in the draw, provided the athlete is nominated by their country. However, since my country did not nominate me, I am not on the team. I disagree with this rule.

“Given that doubles has an individual ranking, there should be clear criteria that allow players to qualify based on their own achievements, same to singles, rather than leaving it up to selection.

“I can’t think of another sport where it’s possible to be #1 in your country and top 10 in the world and not secure a spot on the team. I hope this clarifies the situation.”

The 30-year-old, who reached the Wimbledon doubles final in 2018 alongside partner Kveta Peschke, appears to hold no resentment for the players who have been chosen ahead of her, however, as she ended her post by adding: “Again, putting emotions aside, I can only give my biggest support to the team and wish them the best of luck. Bring home the golds ladies.”