Rafa Nadal makes a sorrowful declaration as Novak Djokovic attacks Australian tennis’s ‘poor appearance’ at the Olympics.
Tennis fans may not receive the blockbuster match between Nadal and Djokovic they were looking for.
Rafa Nadal has stated that he intends to retire from the singles tennis competition at the Paris Olympics, averting a possible blockbuster meeting with Novak Djokovic. After reaching the second round of the doubles with Carlos Alcaraz, the 38-year-old has all but ruled himself out of competing in the singles.
Nadal suffered a thigh injury in training ahead of the Olympics and announced his intention to focus solely on doubles. As of Saturday, the 14-time Grand Slam champion was still scheduled to face Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics on Sunday, with Djokovic waiting in the second round.
Djokovic had earlier accomplished his end of the bargain by defeating Australian veteran Matthew Ebden 6-0, 6-1. However, following his doubles victory, Nadal stated: “I don’t know what’s going to happen; I don’t know if I’m going to play tomorrow or not. I’ll consult with my team and make the best decision possible to increase my chances of winning a medal, so let’s see.”
Nadal is in the twilight of his illustrious career. He has only played seven events in 2024 because to ongoing ailments. In their doubles opener on Saturday, he and Spanish wizkid Alcaraz defeated Argentines Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni 7-6 (7-4) 6-4.
Alcaraz had previously experienced a successful start to his Olympic Games career, defeating Hady Habib of Lebanon 6-3 6-1 in the singles. “It was an incredible experience, the energy of the crowd was crazy,” he told me.
Djokovic dispatched Ebden in 53 minutes and expressed excitement about facing Nadal next. “If we face each other, it’s possibly going to be for the last time on the big stage,” the man remarked.
Novak Djokovic calls for rule change after farcical Aussie scenes
However, Djokovic was unimpressed with his Australian opponent’s ability and urged for revisions to the Olympic tennis admission regulations. Ebden was a late addition to the singles competition, following the withdrawal of several high-profile players, notably Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune.
According to Olympic rules, only players participating in other events (doubles or mixed doubles) can replace them if they withdraw after the draw is done, not the world’s next best singles player. The rules resulted in farcical scenes of doubles specialist Edben playing singles, despite the fact that he hasn’t played a tour-level singles event in two years and is basically out of individual competition.
Ebden is the World No.3 player in men’s doubles but has no ranking in singles, whereas Habib is 275th in singles. Djokovic, speaking after hammering Ebden, requested for rule changes.
“I really don’t understand the rules, and they’re not logical for me,” said the 24-time grand slam winner. “I honestly don’t believe it’s a positive image for the sport. There were many singles players with plenty of time, as well as alternates, who could have been called in. I sincerely hope the ITF (International Tennis Federation) and the Olympics will consider modifying this law.”
Ebden was on the verge of an embarrassing double bagel after falling behind 6-0 4-0, but he ultimately won his first game of the match, eliciting roars from the fans. To celebrate, the Australian broke out in a big smile, threw his arms wide, and lifted his yellow Australia shirt over his head.
“I’m sorry for Matt, he told me at the net it was his first match in two years and he’s officially retired from his singles career,” Djokovic said after the 53-minute thrashing. “Obviously, he’s focused on doubles so it was tough for him.”