WATCH: Novak Djokovic's Paris Olympics 1R opponent Matthew Ebden hilariously asks fans to take his place after losing 8 games in a row

Novak Djokovic's first-round opponent at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Matthew Ebden, had enough of the Serb after just eight games, and hilariously ended up asking fans in the stadium to take his place on the court instead. To put the victory in perspective, the Serb won 10 games in a row to go 6-0, 4-0 up before the Aussie got on the scoreboard.

Ebden got into the singles draw as a lucky loser after Andy Murray's withdrawal, and was drawn to face the Serb in his opener. Ebden's last singles ATP match came in 2022, and the difference in caliber between the two was obvious from the get go.

The World No. 2 raced to a 6-0 lead in the opening set, and broke early to go 2-0 in the second. At this point, Ebden decided it was time to try a new strategy: Get someone else to replace him and see if they had better luck against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Despite the moment getting a good laugh out of the spectators, it was not enough to get Ebden any respite, who soon fell 0-4 behind in the second set. Although he managed to win his next service game, it was soon curtains, as Djokovic wrapped up the win 6-0, 6-1 to begin his Paris campaign on a strong note.

Djokovic has never managed to win the gold at the Olympics, the only big title missing from his trophy cabinet. Last time in Tokyo, the 37-year-old finished fourth. Before that, he managed to win the Bronze at the Athens Olympics in 2004, his only medal from the Games so far.

Novak Djokovic could face Rafael Nadal in Paris Olympics second round

Tennis - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 1 - Source: Getty

Following his win over Matthew Ebden, Novak Djokovic could face arch-rival and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in the second round of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Speaking to the press about his potential battle against Nadal, the former World No. 1 said:

"It's going to be a spectacle definitely if we get to meet, spread some fireworks on the court, like the good old times. I hope we get to meet because it will probably be one last dance for the both of us."

In 59 previous meetings between them, Djokovic has won 30 and lost 29. The man standing between them and a 60th meeting is Marton Fucsovics, who is set to face Nadal in the first round on Sunday.