Novak Djokovic speaks on the possibility of meeting Rafael Nadal in the second round of Paris Olympics

Djokovic beat Matthew Ebden in under an hour in the first round in Paris.

Novak Djokovic speaks on the possibility of meeting Rafael Nadal in the second round of Paris Olympics

Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

Novak Djokovic secured his place in the second round of the Paris Olympics after a convincing victory over Matthew Ebden. With the Paris Olympics underway with the first day of matches, the Serbian began his singles campaign with an easy win. 

The 24-time Grand Slam winner did not allow Ebden to settle down in the match. It would have been a double bagel victory for Djokovic, but Ebden won the fifth game of the second set and even celebrated it. 

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In the end, Djokovic won the match 6-0, 6-1 to secure his place in the second round. On the prospect of fact long-time rival Rafael Nadal next, he stated that he will wait for Nadal to win his opening-round match. 

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I've done my part of the work. Now he has to win his first match. I'm looking forward to what may possibly be our last dance on this court.
Novak Djokovic said in his on-court interview

Nadal will be in doubles action alongside Carlos Alcaraz on Saturday (July 27). He will take to the court for his singles match on Sunday. 

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Casper Ruud, (in left circle) Lebron James, (In right circle) Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal via Imago

Novak Djokovic unhappy with Olympics rules despite easy first-round win

Top seed Novak Djokovic expressed his displeasure with the Olympics rules despite a convincing victory over Matthew Ebden in the first round. It was a 53-minute victory for the Serbian, who barely broke a sweat. 

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

Ebden was brought into the singles main draw as an alternate following last-minute withdrawals. He has been playing in the doubles in recent years and hasn’t played in the singles since 2022.

After the match, Djokovic questioned how the rules called for a doubles player to come into the draw when a singles player pulled out of the tournament. He was adamant that other singles players were free and should have made it to the draw instead. 

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