Tennis

The Paris Olympics are underway, and tennis is one of the first events to kick off the games. In this week's episode of Served with Andy Roddick, Roddick and Jon Wertheim break down this year's Olympic stories and discuss the significance of competing at the Games.Nadal and Djokovic to Face Off in Second RoundTwo of the Big Three, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, will face off in the second round of the Olympics after their first-round victories. This is the only time they will play each other this year, and there is little room for error.Low-Ranked Players in the DrawThe Olympics typically feature the best of the best, but in tennis, the top 64 ranked players would need to compete for that to be the case. However, due to the unique nature of the Games, lower-ranked players can qualify, such as Matt Ebden and Vavassori.Players Not ParticipatingSome top-ranked players have opted out of competing in the Olympics, including Iga Swiatek, Sabalenka, and Andy Murray. This is due to various reasons, including the timing of the Games and the importance they place on other events.From the Player's PerspectiveRoddick argues that the reality of competition behind the games can lead to players prioritizing their performance over participating in events like the opening ceremony. He uses Katie Ledecky as an example of this mentality.Roland Garros vs. OlympicsThe Olympics are being held at Roland Garros, but the experience for players and fans is different from a regular Roland Garros tournament. The best-of-three format for men, multiple events for players, and lack of sponsorship opportunities contribute to this difference.The Olympic Village CommuteThe Olympic Village is located far from Roland Garros, which could be a challenge for players who need to travel back and forth. Alcaraz and Nadal may consider staying closer to the venue to avoid the commute.Coco Gauff, Flag BearerCoco Gauff has been selected as the first tennis player and youngest athlete in Team USA history to be a flag bearer alongside LeBron James. This is a significant honor and reflects her maturity and popularity.Russian Athletes CompetingSeven of the 15 Russian athletes competing at the Olympics are tennis players. They are allowed to compete as "Individual Neutral Athletes" under a neutral flag.Draw OverviewRoddick analyzes the draw for both men's and women's singles. He believes Djokovic has a tough road to the final, while Alcaraz and Swiatek are the favorites in their respective draws.Weird Olympics Q&ARoddick answers questions about the "Love Island Villa" hook-up culture, which country goes at it the hardest, and the most memorable athlete he bumped into at the Olympics.

The highly anticipated second-round clash between tennis titans Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympic Tennis Event has become a reality after both players secured first-round victories.Djokovic, the world's top-ranked player, made light work of Australia's Matthew Ebden, dispatching him in straight sets 6-0, 6-1 in just 53 minutes. Nadal, on the other hand, faced a tougher challenge against former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Marton Fucovics of Hungary. The Spaniard dropped the second set but rallied to win 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.This will be the 60th meeting between the two legends, with Djokovic holding a narrow 30-29 advantage in the head-to-head. Their last encounter was in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros in 2022, where Nadal emerged victorious in four sets.The pair's only previous Olympic meeting came in the semifinals of the 2008 Beijing Games, where Nadal triumphed in three sets. He went on to win his first Olympic gold medal in singles.The upcoming match-up promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with both players eager to add another Olympic medal to their illustrious careers. Nadal will be aiming to defend his gold medal from Rio 2016, while Djokovic will be seeking his first Olympic singles title.The winner of this second-round clash will face either Karen Khachanov of Russia or Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia in the quarterfinals.

Indian table tennis veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal's Olympic journey came to an abrupt end in the men's singles competition, while star woman player Manika Batra made a strong start to her campaign in Paris.Kamal, 42, suffered a disappointing 2-4 (12-10 9-11 6-11 7-11 11-8 10-12) defeat to Deni Kozul of Slovenia in the round of 64. Despite winning the first game, Kamal struggled to maintain his momentum, losing the next three games. He rallied to win the fifth game but ultimately fell short in the sixth, bowing out of the competition.In contrast, Manika Batra, 29, dominated Anna Hursey of Great Britain in her round of 64 women's singles match, winning 4-1 (11-8 12-10 11-9 9-11 11-5). The 2018 Commonwealth Games champion, seeded 18th in the tournament, controlled the match from the outset, taking a 3-0 lead. Hursey managed to win the fourth game, but Batra quickly regained her composure and sealed the victory in the fifth game.Earlier, India's top-ranked woman paddler Sreeja Akula also advanced to the round of 32 with a clinical 4-0 (11-4, 11-9, 11-7, 11-8) win over Sweden's Christina Kallberg. Akula, who made history by becoming the first Indian paddler to win a WTT Contender singles title, displayed her dominance throughout the match.Manika Batra will face 12th seed Prithika Pavade of France in the round of 32 on July 31, while Sreeja Akula will take on 19th seed Sofia Polcanova of Austria on the same day.

Novak Djokovic, the world's top-ranked tennis player, cruised to a dominant 6-0, 6-1 victory over Australia's Matthew Ebden in his Olympic opener on Saturday. The win sets up a potential blockbuster clash against his long-time rival, Rafael Nadal, in the next round.Djokovic, who is seeking his first Olympic gold medal to add to his impressive collection of 24 Grand Slams, displayed his exceptional form under the roof of Court Philippe Chatrier. He dispatched Ebden in just 53 minutes, barely breaking a sweat.Nadal, who has been battling a thigh strain, will face Marton Fucsovics of Hungary on Sunday. If he emerges victorious, it will mark the 60th meeting between Djokovic and Nadal, two of the greatest players in tennis history. Djokovic holds a narrow 30-29 head-to-head advantage over the Spaniard.However, Nadal has a significant edge over Djokovic at Roland Garros, where he has won 14 of his 22 Grand Slams. The Spaniard boasts an 8-2 head-to-head record against the Serb on the Parisian clay.In Saturday's match, Djokovic faced little resistance from Ebden, a 36-year-old doubles specialist who entered the tournament as an alternate. Ebden had not played a singles match in two years before receiving the unexpected Olympic call.Djokovic needed only 24 minutes to secure the first set and raced to a 4-0 lead in the second before Ebden managed to win a game. The Australian, cheered on by a sympathetic crowd, celebrated his hard-fought game by pulling his shirt over his head.But that was the extent of Ebden's success. Djokovic broke his serve six times and hit 24 winners compared to Ebden's seven. The Serbian star is now one step closer to his Olympic gold medal dream, but a potential clash with Nadal in the next round looms large.

Benjamin Hassan, a free-spirited tennis player from Lebanon, stands out in the regimented world of professional tennis. Despite his unconventional approach, Hassan has achieved remarkable success, earning an Olympic spot and reaching the top 150 in the world rankings.Hassan's journey began in Germany, where he was born to Lebanese parents. Tennis runs in his family, with his father representing Lebanon in the Davis Cup. However, Hassan's early years were marked by a lack of motivation. It wasn't until he received a wild card to his hometown Challenger in 2017 that he rediscovered his passion for the sport.Despite his late start, Hassan quickly made up for lost time. His unique style of play, characterized by variety and anticipation, has allowed him to compete with top-ranked opponents. He holds a 6-15 record against the Top 100, including a memorable victory over Flavio Cobolli, who is now ranked 48th in the world.Hassan's unconventional approach extends beyond his on-court performance. He prioritizes fun and spontaneity over strict routines and intense training. His former coach, Dominik Meffert, describes him as a "free thinker" who cannot be pushed too hard.Hassan's affable personality and sense of humor have made him a fan favorite. He is known for his ability to escape from seemingly impossible situations, such as saving 12 match points in a single match.At the Olympics, Hassan hopes to make a name for himself and inspire others. He is proud of his achievements and remains hungry for more. His goal is to qualify for a Grand Slam main draw and continue to challenge himself against the best in the world.

N. Sriram Balaji, the soft-spoken tennis player, is determined to make the most of his opportunity at the Paris Olympics. Chosen as Rohan Bopanna's partner, Balaji is eager to prove his worth and avoid disappointing his senior.Balaji's journey to the Olympics has been a long one. Despite years of toil on the ATP tour, he had to wait until the age of 34 for his chance to represent India in the Davis Cup. Now, with the biggest stage of all before him, the Coimbatore player is determined to make a mark."More than a player, I would like to be the best person on the court and off the court as well," Balaji said. "I never thought about (playing) the Olympics."Balaji's humility and desire to excel have impressed Bopanna, who has been a great mentor to the younger player. Even when Balaji makes mistakes, Bopanna remains supportive and encouraging."He wants to do everything perfectly, and Rohan is a great mentor," said Balachandran, the Indian tennis team's traveling coach. "Even if Balaji makes a mistake, or if he does not do well in practice sets, Rohan would not say much to Bala. Even if he is annoyed, he won't show."The Indian team, with a combined age of 78, faces a tough challenge in Paris. The field is star-studded, featuring the Spanish duo of Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, among others. Balachandran believes that the team's performance in the opening match will be crucial."For me, the first match is the key," Balachandran said. "After that, every team is beatable. I will keep my fingers crossed for them to get through the first match, then I will put my money on them."The Indian team will open their campaign against the French duo of Fabien Reboul and Edouard Roger-Vasselin. The coach is hopeful that the prevailing hot conditions will work in their favor."Compared to the usual clay court tournament, here right now the conditions with the ball and the weather are a little faster," Balachandran said. "The ball is also traveling faster, which for our boys is the best condition."

The 2024 Paris Olympics are fast approaching, and the excitement is building. With the draws now out, our experts have made their predictions for who will bring home the gold in the tennis competitions.Men's SinglesThe men's singles field is stacked with talent, but our experts are unanimous in their belief that Carlos Alcaraz of Spain will emerge victorious. Alcaraz has been in scintillating form in recent months, winning the US Open and rising to world number one. His combination of power, athleticism, and court coverage makes him a formidable opponent for anyone.Women's SinglesIn the women's singles, Iga Swiatek of Poland is the overwhelming favorite. Swiatek has dominated the WTA Tour in 2023, winning two Grand Slams and establishing herself as the world number one. Her all-court game and relentless intensity make her a difficult player to beat.Men's DoublesThe men's doubles competition is always unpredictable, but our experts believe that the British duo of Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski will be the ones to watch. Salisbury and Skupski have been one of the most successful doubles teams in recent years, and they will be looking to add an Olympic gold medal to their impressive resume.Women's DoublesThe women's doubles competition is also wide open, but our experts are predicting a victory for the Czech duo of Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova. Krejcikova and Siniakova are one of the most experienced and successful doubles teams in the world, and they will be looking to add an Olympic gold medal to their collection.Mixed DoublesThe mixed doubles competition is always a crowd-pleaser, and our experts are predicting a victory for the American duo of Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff. Fritz and Gauff are both rising stars in the tennis world, and they will be looking to make a statement in Paris.

Elina Svitolina, the courageous Ukrainian tennis star, has been chosen as the flag bearer for her country at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This honor holds immense significance for Svitolina, who has consistently used her platform to advocate for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Svitolina has been a vocal supporter of her homeland. Through her foundation, she has provided vital medical and humanitarian aid in collaboration with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's United24 initiative. Additionally, her foundation has taken over the management of the Ukrainian team at the Billie Jean King Cup, helping them reach the World Group Qualifiers stage for three consecutive years.Svitolina's selection as flag bearer is a testament to her unwavering patriotism and her commitment to inspiring her fellow Ukrainians. She has become a symbol of hope and resilience, bringing moments of joy and pride to her countrymen during a challenging time.As the second highest-ranked Ukrainian tennis player, Svitolina has been a leading voice on the WTA Tour. She has consistently spoken out against the war and has used her platform to raise awareness about the plight of her people.Svitolina's journey to the Olympics has been marked by both triumph and adversity. She won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games and will be competing in her third Olympics in Paris. Her determination to represent her country on the world stage is a reflection of her unwavering spirit and her belief in the power of sports to unite and inspire.Svitolina's selection as flag bearer is a fitting tribute to her exceptional athleticism, her unwavering patriotism, and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world. She will undoubtedly carry the Ukrainian flag with pride and honor, inspiring her fellow athletes and bringing hope to her countrymen.

Novak Djokovic, the tennis legend with an unparalleled Grand Slam record, faces a daunting challenge as he sets his sights on the elusive Olympic gold medal. Despite his remarkable achievements, this honor has remained out of reach, leaving a void in his illustrious career.Djokovic's Olympic journey has been marked by a series of setbacks and disappointments. In Beijing 2008, he claimed bronze, but his hopes were dashed in London 2012 and Rio 2016, where he suffered early exits. In Tokyo 2021, he entered the tournament as a Grand Slam champion but succumbed to fatigue and injury, failing to secure a medal.The pressure on Djokovic is immense, not only from his own competitive spirit but also from the patriotic expectations of his Serbian countrymen. Serbia has a rich Olympic history, but its medal count pales in comparison to neighboring nations. Djokovic's success would bring immense pride to his country.However, Djokovic's path to Olympic glory is fraught with obstacles. Young rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have emerged as formidable threats, and the Olympic format, with its compressed schedule and multiple disciplines, poses unique challenges.Djokovic's struggles at the Olympics are puzzling, given his dominance in other tournaments. Some experts attribute it to the intense pressure and the need to balance singles and doubles play. Others point to the unpredictable nature of the Olympic draw, where upsets are common.Despite the setbacks, Djokovic remains determined to conquer the Olympic mountain. He acknowledges the difficulty of the task but draws inspiration from his past experiences of overcoming adversity. He believes that his competitive spirit and resilience will serve him well in Paris.As Djokovic prepares for his final Olympic campaign, the question remains: will he finally break the Olympic curse and add the elusive gold medal to his trophy cabinet? The stakes are high, and the pressure is on, but Djokovic's unwavering determination and the support of his nation will drive him to give it his all.