Walsh Jennings relishing midnight Copacabana madness

In search of a fourth Olympic gold medal, American beach volleyball legend Kerri Walsh Jennings is looking forward to the rare comfort of a real beach at Rio's iconic Copacabana.

Walsh Jennings has had to overcome a fifth shoulder surgery of her career and a change of partner to make it to Rio after her triple Olympic gold-winning partnership with Misty May Treanor ended when the latter retired after London four years ago.

And having made it to Brazil, the 37-year-old won't be put off by vociferous home crowds roaring on their local favourites and playing into the small hours.

"It will be my first Olympic experience playing on a natural beach," said Walsh Jennings, who will team up with April Ross in Rio.

"It is what it is and it's going to be an amazing atmosphere playing at midnight. Playing under the lights of the Olympics is so special and I relish it.

"Playing in Copa is amazing, the energy here, it absolutely elevates players. It will be amazing playing in front of such crazy, passionate fans, something that I think we all relish very much."

Ross was on the receiving end of Walsh Jennings and May Treanor's dominant partnership as she had to settle for silver with Jennifer Kessy in London four years ago.

However, Ross hopes the Copacabana setting will bring their home comforts for the American pair too.

"It's awesome to be playing on a natural beach, it's how we practise every day," said Ross.

"It makes it more like we are used to down in California."

Walsh Jennings and Ross face Australian pair Mariafe Artacho del Solar and Nicole Laird in the first of their three group matches at midnight on Saturday.