Mixed doubles will be part of the tennis tournament at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

The event has been introduced alongside the men's and women's singles and men's and women's doubles, but will only be open to competitors already taking part in one of the existing four draws.

An International Olympic Committee statement read: "The changes reflect the IOC's desire to continually refresh the programme, as well as its commitment to increase women's participation.

"The inclusion of the tennis mixed doubles event will not increase the current number of athletes and will bring an added value to the Olympic programme by providing another opportunity for men and women to compete together on the same field of play."