Ranking points have been given during the last three Olympic Games for the men's tournaments, and the announcement is designed to ensure as many of the world's top players participate as possible.

The Olympic competition, which runs from July 28 to August 5, comes under a month after Wimbledon, which itself comes just weeks after the conclusion of the French Open, meaning that some of the world's best tennis players could be tired by the time the London Games kick off. 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has designated six entries per nation for the tournament, four in the singles and two in doubles.

Based on those national limits, the ATP rankings as of Monday 11 June, 2012, will be used to select 56 direct participants in the men's singles draw.

The ITF's Olympic Committee will decide the remaining eight places based on a combination of singles rankings and geographical considerations.

The ATP rankings will similarly determine 24 of the 32 entrants in the doubles tournament, with limits of two pairs per country or six men per country in total and the ITF's Olympic Committee will again decide the final eight participants.

ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: "The support of the ATP in finalising the agreement has ensured that as many of the top male players as possible are able to compete at the Olympic Tennis Event.

"This is great news for the event and the players, and we are confident that next year's tournament will surpass the success of Beijing."

Adam Helfant, ATP executive chairman and President, said: "Wimbledon will be an incredible stage for tennis at the Olympic Games.

"We know ATP players are very much looking forward to representing their countries in London next summer."

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