Alcaraz agrees with Djokovic in criticizing the Olympic tennis rules
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Olympic tennis rule that restricts replacement players to those already competing in other events. Following his decisive 6-0, 6-1 victory over doubles specialist Matthew Ebden, Djokovic openly criticized the regulation.
“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 have plenty of time, that were alternates, that could have been called to come. This part I don’t get,” Djokovic remarked.
Alcaraz echoed Djokovic’s sentiments, emphasizing the fairness issue inherent in the current rule. “It’s a difficult rule, I guess. 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,” Alcaraz commented.
Both players’ criticisms highlight a growing concern within the tennis community regarding the suitability of Olympic tennis regulations and their impact on the sport’s image and competitive integrity.
Djokovic in Paris, ranking, and results in 2024
Ranked world no.2, Djokovic has a 24-7 match record in 2024. Djokovic is currently having a run in Paris where he overcame Matthew Ebden 6-0 6-1.
Novak Djokovic will face the world no.161 Rafael Nadal in the 2nd round on Monday at 2:00 pm on Court Philippe Chatrier. Their current record is 30-29 for Djokovic.
The Serbian 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 compete next in Montreal (National Bank Open). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 5th of August.
