Novak Djokovic demands Olympics rule changed after merciless win over Australian star
Novak Djokovic dropped just one game against Matthew Ebden
REUTERS
Novak Djokovic has slammed the Olympic entry rules after dropping just one game against Australian alternate Matthew Ebden in the opening round of the men's singles event in Paris.
Ebden was originally only set to feature in the men's doubles draw, where he is one of the favourites to win gold alongside John Peers.
However, Andy Murray's withdrawal from the singles draw saw Ebden take his place before being drawn to face Djokovic.
Ebden is a two-time doubles champion and is currently ranked No 3 in the world, but he hasn't played a tour-level singles match since June 2022.
Novak Djokovic dropped just one game against Matthew Ebden
REUTERS
Djokovic showed no mercy to the doubles specialist and dropped just one game in a one-sided affair.
Entry regulations for tennis at the Olympics stipulate that preference will be given to alternate players already competing at the Games in a different event as opposed to picking the highest-ranked player available.
That's something Djokovic feels needs to change for the next Olympics held in Los Angeles.
Djokovic said: “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 (International Tennis Federation) along with the Olympics will consider changing this rule.”
Carlos Alcaraz also faced off against an alternate in the first round after Jannik Sinner's late withdrawal.
Matthew Ebden was given an alternate slot in the singles draw
REUTERS
Lebanon's Hady Habib, ranked 275th in the world, was given Sinner's spot in the men's singles draw.
And Alcaraz feels the rules should be looked at to focus more on the rankings for any potential alternates.
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Novak Djokovic wants the rules changed
REUTERS
“It’s a difficult rule, I guess," he said.
"Honestly there are a lot of players who deserve to be here and playing here in the Olympic Games.
“I think it should be different, because the next singles player (in the rankings) deserves to be here if someone withdraws from the tournament.”
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