"Absolutely ridiculous" - Andre Agassi's ex-coach calls for reinstatement of ranking points at Olympics in light of Novak Djokovic's Paris 2024 win

Andre Agassi's former coach, Brad Gilbert, called for the reinstatement of ranking points at the Olympics after Novak Djokovic secured the gold medal at the ongoing Paris Olympics. The Serb defeated Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to clinch the gold and complete the Career Golden Slam.

Tennis Channel analyst Jon Wertheim pointed out that Djokovic did not earn any ranking points or prize money for winning the gold medal, despite the title being added to his career tally of 99.

"So Djokovic gets no ranking points (and of course $0) for winning olympic gold. But he *is* credited with a pro title, his 99th, closing the gap on Federer and Connors," Wertheim wrote.

Responding to this, Andre Agassi's former coach, Brad Gilbert, criticized the decision to exclude ranking points for Olympic gold medalists, noting that they were previously awarded. The 62-year-old proposed reinstating ranking points, suggesting 1500 points for both singles and doubles champions.

"Absolutely ridiculous no points should be 1500 points to winners in singles and doubles, used to have points, I believe was 750 to the winner," Gilbert wrote.

Ranking points were awarded at the Olympics from the 2000 Sydney Olympics (for ATP) and the 2004 Athens Olympics (for WTA) before being scrapped before the 2016 Rio Games.

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Novak Djokovic: "There is no greater motivation than fighting for your country"

Novak Djokovic at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 (Image: Getty)

Novak Djokovic talked about the pride he felt after winning the gold medal for his country at the ongoing Paris Olympics. In the press conference, he said that winning the gold medal match was the best feeling he has had in his entire career.

"There is no greater motivation than fighting for your country, and after winning the first two matches, I couldn't be happier; the feeling I experienced when winning the match is unlike any other in my career," he said.

The Serb said that his faith and belief in himself helped him cross the final hurdle. He added that the feeling of pride while being on the podium and listening to the Serbian national anthem would never be surpassed.

"Doubts always exist, but faith and the belief that I can achieve my goals are always stronger. I was aware that this was my last chance to win an Olympic gold, so I had to focus fully on my goal. Nothing will ever surpass seeing myself on the podium listening to the Serbian anthem with the flag raised," he said.

While the 37-year-old won the gold medal, Carlos Alcaraz settled for silver, and Lorenzo Musetti won the bronze after defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in the bronze medal match.