Novak Djokovic has had an interesting year so far. After his loss to Alcaraz at the 2023 Wimbledon final, many questioned the Serb’s ability to bounce back. But in less than a month, he defeated his nemesis in the final of the Cincinnati Open.
However, his biggest statement was at the 2023 US Open, where he defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to lift his 24th Grand Slam title. Since the Paris Masters, though, the 37-year-old hasn’t been able to claim a single title.
Djokovic will be making his fifth appearance at the Games this year, with his best result being a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. With all the records and titles that he has to his name, perhaps an Olympic gold is the only silverware missing in his otherwise illustrious cabinet. However, with a tough draw, things will certainly not be straightforward for the Serbian.
In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Djokovic lost to eventual gold medalist Rafael Nadal in the semifinals before beating James Blake to clinch the bronze. In the 2012 London Games, he once again lost in the semis to Andy Murray and went on to lose the bronze medal match to Juan Martín del Potro. The Serbian aimed to complete a career slam by winning gold at the Rio Games but surprisingly lost in the first round, marking his first defeat in the opening round of a tournament since 2009.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics witnessed another disappointing show-out for the 37-year-old, as he was beaten by Alexander Zverev in the semifinals and later by Pablo Carreño Busta in the bronze medal match.
A humiliating loss in the 2024 Wimbledon final along with knee injury concerns were looming large but Djokovic’s resolve remained undeterred as he was focused on representing his country at the Olympics, for probably one final time.
Novak Djokovic vs Matthew Ebden match details
- Date: July 27, 2024 (Saturday)
- Time: 4:30 PM IST
- Venue: Stade Roland Garros, Paris
Novak Djokovic vs Matthew Ebden preview
Matthew Ebden, a name more familiar in the doubles circuit was a last-minute addition to the singles category in the 2024 Olympics. Andy Murray was originally slated to face the Serbian in the first round, but he withdrew just minutes before the draw was announced, to focus on doubles.
Consequently, an alternate player was selected, preferably one also participating in doubles. This helped the unseeded Australian make the cut.
The 36-year-old now faces a difficult proposition in Novak Djokovic and in case he does qualify for the second round, he could potentially meet the “King of Clay”, Rafael Nadal. The 24-time grand slam champion will have painful memories from his 2024 French Open campaign at the Philippe-Chatrier stadium.
After winning two consecutive five-setters, the Serbian withdrew from the tournament owing to a knee injury. With a shot at a maiden gold medal in sight, the 37-year-old will want to make amends by commencing the Games in a convincing fashion against an opponent he hasn’t played before in singles.
Head-to-Head records
Matches – 0
Novak Djokovic – 0
Matthew Ebden – 0
Novak Djokovic and Matthew Ebden have never faced each other in a singles match.
Where and how to watch live streaming and TV broadcast of Novak Djokovic and Matthew Ebden, 2024 Paris Olympics first-round match in India?
The live telecast of the Paris 2024 Olympics will be available on the Sports 18 network. Fans can also enjoy free live streaming of the quadrennial event on the Jio Cinema app.
Prediction
Despite Matthew Ebden’s inferior overall record in singles as compared to his doubles career, no opponent can take him lightly. He is renowned for his ability to tackle pressure situations in doubles and will look to incorporate the same when he takes on the Serbian. With the Olympics featuring a “best of three” format, one can certainly expect to witness many upsets throughout the competition.
Meanwhile, Djokovic will play his first competitive match after the disappointing defeat in the 2024 Wimbledon final. With just one bronze medal out of his four Olympic appearances, the Games remains the only tennis event the Serbian is yet to crack.
This could be the 37-year-old’s last attempt to glory and with a formidable opponent in the form of Jannik Sinner out of the way, the Serbian will certainly be confident of his chances for a podium finish.
Starting well is always important and Djokovic will want to start convincingly in the first round. Despite being the clear favorite in this clash, best-of-three contests have no room for complacency. With not many rest days in between games, fitness will be pivotal. Therefore, the lesser the time spent on-court during matches, the better for the 37-year-old.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets.