'This part I don't get’ - Novak Djokovic calls for Olympic rule change after landslide win over Australia’s Matthew Ebden

World number two Novak Djokovic has voiced his displeasure with the rules at the Olympics and called for changes after his comprehensive first-round victory in Paris on Saturday. The Serbian took on Australia’s doubles specialist Matthew Ebden in Men's singles event and registered a one-sided 6-0, 6-1 victory in a 53-minute battle.

Djokovic dominated throughout the match en route to his quest for a maiden gold medal at the Olympic Games. However, he wondered why a doubles specialist would compete in singles and questioned the eligibility criteria in one of the biggest sporting events. Notably, Ebden has not played a top-level singles match for two years.

"There were a lot of singles players that had plenty of time, there were alternates, that could have been told to come," Djokovic told reporters after the match.

"So this part I don't get and I really hope that the ITF (tennis governing body) along with the Olympics will consider changing this rule because it's tough on Matthew," he added. 

What does the Olympic rule say?

According to Paris Olympics 2024 rules, any players withdrawing from singles competition after July 19 will only be replaced by players who are competing in another event. Several players, including top seed Jannik Sinner, have withdrawn over the past few days due to injury and other reasons. The same happened to Ebden, who had to act as a substitute against Djokovic on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Also Read: 'He wants to go on holiday with Anna'- Fans react as Jannik Sinner withdraws from Paris Olympics 2024

Three-time Grand Slam doubles champion Ebden is a strong doubles medal contender alongside John Peers. Notably, it was the last singles match for the 36-year-old, who announced his retirement after losing in the first round.  

"He told me it's been over two years (since) he played an official singles match and he said this was his last singles match, he's officially retired. So as I said, it's not a great feeling for him being on the court like that,” Djokovic concluded. 

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