USA's Huber 'emotional' over country switch

The Durban-born Huber, 31, became a US citizen last year after arriving in the country as a teenager.

"When you ask me that question I still get emotional," she said.

"I've lived in the States for half of my life so it's home, yet I'm born in South Africa and I can't lose my accent and English isn't my first language.

"But I've played Fed Cup over a year and just turning out for the team I got really emotional and I'm sure that will be the same tonight," she said, referring to the Olympics opening ceremony.

Huber played for South Africa at Sydney 2000 under her maiden name, Horn. She will partner former Olympic champion and world number one Lindsay Davenport, who is struggling with a knee injury, in the doubles here.

Huber said she would be welling with pride when Sudanese-born flag-bearer Lopez Lomong leads the US team at the opening ceremony.

"This is the land of opportunity. I came to this place at age 15 with a suitcase," she said.

"I applaud every American that realises how fortunate we are as foreigners to be able to live there. Think how emotional it will be for all of us tonight to watch that boy carrying the flag.

"Land of the brave, home of the free. I came here with absolutely nothing and look what we have, everybody has an opportunity so I thank you for that."