Written by Tomas Ressa
The Olympics 2024 is about to begin. And it promises great emotions. Ubitennis analyzes the main factors to take into account in this edition.
Andy Murray, goodbye to a legend
The Brit announced that the Olympics will be his last tournament as a professional player. Murray is the only player in the history of tennis capable of having won this event twice, also doing so consecutively (2012 and 2016). In his magnificent career, he won 46 singles titles, including 3 Grand Slams, 14 Masters 1000 Series titles (the fifth-most since 1990), two gold medals at the Olympics and a title at the ATP Finals. A deserved last dance for Sir Andy.
Nadal and Alcaraz, together in doubles
It seems scripted, but it is not. Rarely in the history of a sport do we see a legend in his final moments, and a budding one, share the same team. In this case, the best player in the history of Spanish tennis and another who is emerging as his generational relief, will delight fans by playing doubles together. Regardless of the results they achieve, these are moments that will remain in the history of tennis.
Novak Djokovic and the only Big Title he is missing
Many times, Novak Djokovic referred to the Olympics as the only major tournament he has not yet won. The defeats against Juan Martin del Potro in Rio 2016, and against Alexander Zverev in 2021, still weigh heavily on his memory. The Serbian has never reached the final of the Olympics. In four participations, he only achieved a bronze medal, in 2008(coincidentally his debut in this event. In this edition, he will have the (last?) chance to conquer the last gem he has left in an unparalleled career, where he has rewritten the historical records of tennis.
Zverev and the defense of the title
Sacha was the last champion of the 2021 edition, defeating Karen Khachanov in the final and beating Djokovic on the way to glory. In 2024, the German has been making great strides, although his thorn with the Grand Slam titles is something he still can’t shake off. In Paris he will have the opportunity to defend his title, a mission that looks difficult, but his tennis is up to the task of achieving this feat. If he succeeds, he would equal Murray as a two-time and consecutive Olympic champion.
New opportunities
Daniil Medvedev remains solid and steady, stalking the final rounds of major tournaments and being a real headache for the favourites. On another scale, players like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud, Holger Rune, Andrey Rublev have been having an inconsistent season, but come into the Olympics hungry for redemption. Surprises can’t be ruled out, as there tend to be in all Olympic editions. This event is a great opportunity for many, and it will be interesting to see how some of the matches develop.
