By Neil Schmidt
Enquirer staff writer

MASON - Vera Zvonareva sat in the players' lounge here Monday, watching Olympic tennis on TV.

It's a bit odd that the world's No. 9 player wasn't on the court in Athens. But there's a maximum of four singles players from each country in the Games, and the rankings cutoff date came before Wimbledon, when Zvonareva wasn't yet among the top four Russians.

"They said before they'd take the rankings from that date, so I knew I was too low," Zvonareva said. "It's OK. Maybe I can go to the next Olympics."

The Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open is happy to have her. Zvonareva, the second seed here, is rising fast.

Ranked 371st at the end of 2001, the 19-year-old has been on a steady ascent. This marks her second week in the top 10.

"I have to adjust my goals, have to look forward," she said. "It would be great if I could make the (WTA Tour) Championships," the year-end tournament for the top eight ranked players.

Zvonareva broke through last year at the French Open, beating Venus Williams en route to the quarterfinals. She made the round of 16 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year.

Three weeks ago in San Diego, Zvonareva lost an epic semifinal to fellow Russian Anastasia Myskina 6-2, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (15). She rebounded the next week with a victory over Maria Sharapova in Montreal, where she reached the semifinals.

"I'm learning how best to be on the court," she said.

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E-mail nschmidt@enquirer.com