‘Not logical’: Djokovic slams organisers after huge win

by Admin
July 28, 2024

Novak Djokovic has lashed out at the tennis programming for Paris 2024.

It comes after his 6-0, 6-1 smashing of Australian tennis player Matt Ebden, that took just 53 minutes in the first round Court Philippe-Chartier in Paris.

Ebden’s loss in the singles match is set to be the last of his career, after he was a late call-up to replace an injured Holger Rune.

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Despite cruising to victory and advancing to the next round as he continues his hunt for a maiden gold medal, Djokovic made his opinion on his victory known.

The 37-year-old expressed his disappointment that Ebden, who is known for his doubles prowess, was forced into the draw last minute.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts against Matthew Ebden of Australia. Getty

“I don’t think it’s a good image for the sport, to be honest,” Djokovic said.

“There are lots of singles players that had plenty of time to get here and could have been called to come.”

Djokovic showed sympathy for Ebden, who, at one stage when he was down 0-4 in the second set, jokingly offered his racquet to a spectator, in hope someone would take over.

“So this part I don’t get at all. I hope the ITF (International Tennis Federation) and the Olympics change the rule because it was tough on Matt,” he said.

Matthew Ebden offered his racquet to a crowd member as a joke, as he struggled against Djokovic. Getty

“He hasn’t played singles in two years.

“I really don’t understand the rules.

“It’s not logical for me that you have someone withdraws from singles and you call up a doubles player to play singles.”

Despite Djokovic’s sadness for Ebden, the Australian took the loss in his stride, reflecting positively on his singles career.

“I wasn’t coming here to play singles, put it that way. It has been two years since my last professional singles match. This is officially me retired from singles,” Ebden said post match.

Matthew Ebden struggled against Novak Djokovic in their first round match at Paris 2024. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

“What a place to do it, on Chatrier against Novak. I was lucky in my singles career, I played against Federer, Nadal, Murray and played on all the big centre courts around the world.”

Djokovic has won just one Olympic medal, a bronze at Beijing 2008, defeating Jame Blake.

He could now face off against Rafael Nadal in the second round.