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The Paris Olympics have begun, but not without some disappointment. While many tennis players have the chance to shine, some deserving athletes were left out.
There has been an awful lot of consternation regarding the unique format of the singles tournament in Paris, with some rather high-profile voices criticizing the format.
Andy Roddick recently criticized the Olympics' alternate system for singles, echoing concerns raised by Novak Djokovic after his first-round match.
Roddick pointed out that doubles players were given opportunities to compete in singles events, even if they haven't played singles regularly.
Roddick emphasized the need for a more equitable selection process that ensures singles players who have earned their spot are not overlooked in favor of those primarily focused on doubles.
"The Olympics singles alternate situation is ridiculous. Players that don't even/can't play singles at the highest level getting the call is dumb," Roddick posted on Twitter.
Wimbledon champion also unimpressed
Not only Roddick, but also Carlos Alcaraz, a four-time major champion, found the situation perplexing. After winning his first-round match, Alcaraz voiced his concerns.
"It's a difficult rule, I guess. Honestly, there are a lot of players who deserve to be here and playing in the Olympic Games," Alcaraz declared.
"I think it should be different because the next singles player in the rankings deserves to be here if someone withdraws from the tournament."
Alcaraz's remarks echo the growing sentiment among top players that the current alternate system needs reevaluation to ensure fairness and meritocracy in Olympic tennis.
Novak Djokovic, after defeating a rival who hadn't played singles in two years, also called for an amendment to the Olympic rules.