Andy Roddick has expressed support for Novak Djokovic’s criticism of the current Olympic tennis entry rules, which have come under scrutiny as more doubles players step in for injured singles players.
Djokovic’s easy victory over Matthew Ebden in the opening round at a rainy Roland Garros highlighted the issue. The top seed, aiming for his first Olympic gold medal, defeated the Australian alternate 6-0, 6-1 in just 53 minutes. Under current rules, players withdrawing from singles after July 19 can only be replaced by players already competing in another event. This has led to doubles specialists like Petros Tsitsipas and Francisco Cabral replacing Cameron Norrie and Alex De Minaur, despite having just three Tour-level singles wins between them.
Roddick voiced his disapproval on social media, stating, “The Olympics singles alternate situation is ridiculous. Players that don’t even/can’t play singles at the highest level getting the call is dumb.
” His comments followed Ebden, a leading doubles player, playing his first singles match in two years against Djokovic on Court Philippe Chatrier. Ebden took the match in good spirits, even offering his racket to the crowd and celebrating when he won a game after 11 attempts.
Djokovic also expressed confusion and dissatisfaction with the rules, saying,
“I really don’t understand the rules; they’re really not logical for me. I don’t think it’s a good image for the sport, to be honest. There were a lot of singles players that had plenty of time, that were alternates, that could have been called to come. I really hope the ITF along with the Olympics will consider changing this rule.”
Organizers cited logistics as the reason behind the rule, with the International Olympic Committee not keen on adding new athletes close to the Games. They also stressed that tennis has a later deadline for personnel changes than many other sports.
Looking ahead, Djokovic could face Rafael Nadal in a blockbuster second-round clash if Nadal overcomes Marton Fucsovics and a right thigh problem. Djokovic commented on the potential match-up,
“Playing him is like finals for me. In any tournament and particularly here, knowing what he has achieved and what he’s done for our sport, particularly here in Roland Garros, his record speaks for itself. So I look forward to it. If we get to face each other, it’s going to be, possibly, the last time we face each other on a big stage, so I’m sure that people would enjoy it. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be ready for that match-up.”
Djokovic in Paris, ranking, and results in 2024
Ranked no.2, the Serbian has a 24-7 record in 2024. The Serbian is playing at the moment in Paris where he beat Matthew Ebden 6-0 6-1.
Novak Djokovic will come up against the world no.161 Rafael Nadal in the 2nd round on Monday at 2:00 pm on Court Philippe Chatrier. Their head to head is 30-29 for Djokovic.
Djokovic was the finalist in Wimbledon.
Djokovic won 98 titles in his career: 52 on hard courts, 19 on clay courts, 19 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Djokovic is scheduled to play next in Montreal (National Bank Open). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 5th of August.
Novak Djokovic |
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