In a stunning display of dominance, Novak Djokovic nearly double bageled Matthew Ebden at the Paris Olympics, showcasing his unrivaled talent and skill on the court. The match marked the first time Ebden had ever faced Djokovic in singles play, with the Aussie having previously battled against tennis legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray.
By a stroke of luck, Ebden found himself pitted against Djokovic in the first round of the Olympic Games in Paris, entering the singles draw as an alternate. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Ebden to square off against arguably the greatest player of all time in what would be his final singles match of his career. Despite the lopsided 6-0, 6-1 defeat he suffered at the hands of Djokovic, Ebden remained positive, focusing on his upcoming doubles matches alongside John Peers and Ellen Perez.
Struggling to keep pace with his formidable opponent, Ebden was unable to match Djokovic’s level of play, faltering on both his serve and return. Despite his best efforts to avoid a double bagel, Ebden managed to salvage a solitary game in the closing stages of the second set. Reflecting on his experience, Ebden admitted to having entertained thoughts of ending his singles career with a double bagel but expressed contentment with having at least secured one game against the Serbian superstar.
Realistically, Ebden faced an uphill battle against Djokovic, who remained unfazed and relentless throughout the match. Djokovic’s impeccable performance saw him deny Ebden any break point opportunities, applying consistent pressure and capitalizing on his chances. In a display of flawless execution, Djokovic managed to convert six out of nine break point opportunities, effectively dismantling Ebden’s serves and sealing his victory in swift fashion.
As Djokovic effortlessly cruised to victory, it became evident that Ebden was simply outmatched by the Serbian maestro. Despite the one-sided nature of the contest, Ebden remained gracious in defeat, acknowledging the vast gap in skill between himself and Djokovic. With his priorities lying elsewhere in Paris, Ebden’s focus now shifts to his doubles campaign, where he aims to make a splash alongside his partners on the court.
