German Olympic tennis exile Tommy Haas confessed on Tuesday that his failure to be appointed to the national team as a wild card still stings, DPA reported.
The 34-year-old made his admission after winning into the second round of the ATP Citi Open 6-4, 6-2 over American Michael Russell.
"When I watch the Olympics, I'm still surprised I'm not there," said the one-time world number two and medal-winner 12 years ago in Sydney.
"The German Olympic committee didn't nominate me, which was a big mistake in my eyes. That's life. That happens. I'm happy to play the same week while the Olympics are going on."
Germen men's tennis at the Games has collapsed into a shambles as late appointee Philip Kohlschreiber withdrew from his hard-fought place after running down his batteries by winning last week's ATP event in Kitzbuehel and making a return to the ranking top 20.
The German federation had ruled that any player not ranked at least 24th could not have a spot on the Olympic squad. Even the Haas title on grass at home in Halle did not have an impact, with officials refusing the chance to nominate their former number one as a wild card into the Olympic tennis event currently underway.
"I was fit and ready to go," said Haas, who did not play the 2008 Beijing Games due to injury.
"I think it's a special occasion, it's at Wimbledon," Haas of the current Games competition on grass. "I was very disappointed not to be part of it but you forget about it now and try to worry about playing in the tournament."