Russia dominated the medals in the women’s tennis event in Beijing, claiming all three medals. Elena Dementieva beat Dinara Safina in the gold medal match, while Vera Zvonareva took the bronze with a straight sets win ov

“I didn't even expect to be at the Olympic Games at first; now I got here and I got a medal, it's just great. And I think it's very important for my country as well, you know, I am really happy for my country,” Zvonareva said.

Zvonareva described winning a bronze medal in her first Olympics as an “amazing feeling”. She beat China’s Li Na 6-0, 7-5 on Sunday.

“I wish we could get even more medals, we have great athletes and it will be great for us to get some more, so I wish all other athletes good luck during the rest of the Olympics,” she said.

It is the second time on the Olympic podium for Dementieva after she won silver eight years ago in Sydney.

Zvonareva will now turn her attention to preparations for the US Open, which starts in New York on August 25.