Brazil's Melo craving Olympic tennis glory

The Rio 2016 Olympic tennis tournament is the competition "everybody wants to win", according to Brazil's World No. 1 doubles player Marcelo Melo.

The 32-year-old from Belo Horizonte said the first Olympic Games in South America were a constant topic of conversation in locker rooms on the ATP tour.

"It's the competition that everyone wants to win - (Roger) Federer, (Rafael) Nadal, all the world's top players want to play," Melo told Rio2016.com on Wednesday.

He said that men's singles world No. 1 Novak Djokovic was among the keenest to participate.

"Novak Djokovic relates to Brazil a lot, he liked it when he visited and wants to go back," Melo said.

"Those who haven't been yet ask where the competition will be and how the city is. In general, they have a very positive image of the city. Those who haven't been want to visit, and those who've been want to return."

Melo revealed he and his playing partner Bruno Soares would make the Games their top priority next year.

"Our planning for next year will be based around the Olympic Games and it's the same for other players," he said. "For us, to win in Brazil would be a dream come true."

Earlier this month Melo became the first Brazilian to top the ATP doubles rankings, breaking the Bryan brothers' three-year stranglehold on the position.

But he won't be truly satisfied unless he and Soares win gold in front of their home fans in August.

"Bruno and I have played together for a long time. When we play together in the Davis Cup, it always draws big crowds. Our games are always the most full," he said.

"In Rio, we'll try to use our experience in the best way possible because it's a great opportunity to win Olympic gold at home." Endit