Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have clashed over one hot topic at the Olympics at the moment.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are the two outstanding favourites to enjoy success in Paris this summer, with Olympic tennis a mysterious and hugely coveted title to hold.
Andy Murray has earned huge notoriety for winning gold twice in the singles, and so too has Rafael Nadal, as the only one from the Big Three to have that accolade in his trophy cabinet.
His Serbian rival will be absolutely desperate to ensure that he does not end his career without that title, but he has endured a frustrated start to his campaign despite an easy win.
Carlos Alcaraz disagrees with Novak Djokovic’s Olympics opinion
This first started with Novak Djokovic’s complaints about the Olympics, with the 37-year-old having looked almost embarrassed for his opponent in the opening-round win, defeating Matthew Ebden 6-0, 6-1.
Speaking afterwards, he claimed: ‘I don’t think it’s a good image for the sport, to be honest. There are lots of singles players that had plenty of time to get here and could have been called to come.
‘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 [Ebden]. He hasn’t played singles in two years.’
Well, now posed a similar question Alcaraz was far more magnanimous, even disagreeing with his legendary rival. He told AP News: ‘It’s a difficult rule, I guess.
‘Honestly, there are a lot of players who deserve to be here and playing here in the Olympic Games. I think it should be different, because the next singles player (in the rankings) deserves to be here if someone withdraws from the tournament.’
Both Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic eased to wins
Whilst both have valid points, the ease at which they strolled to first-round success does speak volumes for the gulf in quality between those at the top and the lesser nations without ample backup.
Alcaraz’s win was not quite as routine, but still a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Lebanese competitor Hady Habib marked a really comfortable entry into the second round.
As two of the favourites to win the gold medal, and the top two seeds too, a simple start to life at the Olympics will definitely benefit both of them, but when the quality is so low, nothing productive can really be done.
It’s almost like a waste of time for someone like Djokovic to play someone so far from his quality, and his frustration is warranted.
However, when it gets down to the business end of the event and he is truly scrapping for the silverware, he will likely be praying for some easier opponents in contrasting fashion.
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