Novak Djokovic demands Olympics rule changed after merciless win over Australian star

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.

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