Tennis

“Nobody that can tell me that Novak shouldn’t get some benefit to his ranking” : Andy Roddick criticizes ‘dumb’ Olympics rule Novak Djokovic’s recent glory at the Olympics has been well received by fans around the world, seeing the Serbian finally add the missing piece of the puzzle to his historic career. But ever since the end of the tennis Olympics in Paris, controversy has been sparked around the world about the lack of points system and prize money. Many big personalities have commented on the fact that players participating in the Olympics do not receive any points, unlike other ATP and grand slam tours. This has made players feel that their efforts do not receive much rewards in the Olympics, with many notable players like Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton and Aryna Sabalenka opting out to focus on other tournaments which will benefit their career ranking more. Tennis icon and analyst Andy Roddick and Coco Gauff’s coach Brad Gilbert have been the latest to criticize on this matter, with the latter commenting on this ‘ridiculous’ rule on X (formerly known as Twitter): Andy Roddick’s spiteful words on absurd Olympics rule The former American tennis player remains an influential figure, with his thoughts and analysis taken seriously around the world of tennis. Roddick recently reflected his views of the tennis Olympics on his ‘Served’ podcast, and said that it was the best it could possibly be – games and performance wise. But he was very disappointed regarding the issue of having no points or prize money. “I think, there is nobody that can tell me that Novak shouldn’t get some benefit to his ranking, we used to have points, we took him away. There’s nothing to show for him (Novak). He should have points at least. No one’s getting paid. I’m not saying anyone should get paid you should not get paid to play in the Olympics at least not directly and but like you should have points,” said the 41-year-old (via Served). “It’s no disrespect that any playing that but it’s the strength of draws is weak and they’re still giving out 500 points to the winner. I can’t be told that Novak doesn’t deserve more points for what he did at the Olympics. You’re playing the same game the best play anytime you get all the best players that are taking it as seriously as possible in one place. And you’re beating them; you should get something like that’s it’s just dumb I don’t get it they should get points,” added the former US Open champion. Andy Roddick was visibly frustrated and confused over this rule, and was disappointed for his friend and rival Novak Djokovic among others, whom he has gained a lot of respect for post-retirement. The American has always praised the Serbian for his incredible achievements and his ability to sustain success over such a long period. Novak Djokovic had also previously commented on the tennis Olympics rule, stating that he would definitely encourage more voices to get on this in hope for change. “To be quite frank, I don’t see a reason why not. You know, we have the best players in the world participating in arguably the fifth Grand Slam. It’s of that important for all of us, even more, because it happens every four years. I would definitely encourage people to rethink of getting points out there,” said the 37-year-old. As many important people of tennis have spoken about this matter, it could be a matter of time we see the rule revised and the Olympics add points for increased participation and competition, ahead of the next Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles. Also Read: “The fact that I am not the bookmakers’ favorite is just a motivation for me” : Novak Djokovic ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics

“He is the man to beat at the US Open” : Former coach says Novak Djokovic will not stop after Olympic gold Fairytale endings do exist, especially in sports. There is nothing sweeter than winning the only title which has escaped your hands throughout your career, that too in your last try (Lionel Messi will surely agree with that statement). Tennis and Serbian legend Novak Djokovic just played out one of his best games ever, at the ripe age of 37, winning the Olympic gold medal. Court Philippe-Chatrier was exuberant the whole day, as Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic played out for almost three hours in an instant classic. Both players went toe-to-toe with each other, winning close sets one after the other, as the winner was finally decided by two tie-breakers, with Djokovic pulling through and claiming the win, with the final score being 7-6(3) 7-6(2). Novak Djokovic is the most decorated tennis player of all time, winning 74 total titles, but in his first Olympics final with the goal medal win, he was vividly emotional. His hands were shaking as he went through the crowd to celebrate with his family while proudly raising Serbia’s flag across his shoulders. “We almost played three hours in just two sets, An incredible battle and fight. When the last shot went past him, it was the only moment I thought I could win the match. I mean I believed I could win, but to actually win it… To win Olympic gold at 37, I finally did it. Most of all, it’s my country,” said the emotional Serbian (via Eurosport). Goran Ivanisevic admits Djokovic will not slow down after Olympics win After six successful years together, where Novak Djokovic won 12 grand slam titles, the Eastern Europeans decided to part ways in March of this year. But there is no love lost between them, as Goran Ivanisevic had nothing but sheer admiration for his former player. Goran Ivanisevic admitted that the Serbian fell short in the Wimbledon finals against the same opponent, but if this match would have been played for five more hours, the outcome would have been the same. “Only a crazy person would say that he doesn’t have it in him anymore. I’m so glad he finally won this gold. People forgot that this was his first Olympics final, he felt that this is it, that he has to seize this opportunity. Although, considering how crazy he is, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him in Los Angeles in 2028 as well.” said the former coach (via Tennis Majors). Novak Djokovic was only the fifth ever player to complete the career golden slam, as Ivanisevic thinks that this Olympics win would give him extra motivation to perform in the US Open. “I wish him 25th Slam, to break the absolute record, and then he can retire, although he will never retire, this guy. I think he can find the motivation, the gold will lift him. If he plays like this, he is the man to beat at the US Open. At Wimbledon, it was a miracle that he even played, let alone reached the finals, but we never know if something similar to this year’s Australian Open can happen. Against Sinner there, he didn’t show up – we don’t have a crystal ball, but if he is motivated like here, he will be the favourite in New York.” the Croatian added. Novak Djokovic will have a much-needed break from tennis as he will not take part in the Canadian Open this week. The US Open starts in three weeks, and fans will be expecting the ‘GOAT’ of tennis to win his 25th Major. Also Read: “The fact that I am not the bookmakers’ favorite is just a motivation for me” : Novak Djokovic ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics