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Novak Djokovic voiced his confusion over the 2024 Paris Olympics' strange draw. In other news, Rafael Nadal drew criticism for speaking out against the Paris Olympics tennis schedule.
Meanwhile, Yulia Putintseva and Elena Rybakina came under fire for their late withdrawal from 2024 Paris Olympics. Coco Gauff received backlash after being chosen as the USA's Flag-Bearer for the Paris Olympics.
Also, an Italian media house landed in hot water for criticizing Jannik Sinner's girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya after the former's Paris Olympics withdrawal.
On that note, here's a recap of the top controversies from last week:
Novak Djokovic took aim at the Paris Olympics for the illogical draw
Novak Djokovic criticized the ITF and Olympics committee for the puzzling replacement process used to create the draws, after facing doubles expert Matthew Ebden in the first round of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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Top-seeded Djokovic, who handily defeated Ebden 6-0, 6-1, voiced his dissatisfaction with his opponent's inclusion in the singles category. Ebden hadn't competed in singles since 2022, despite reaching a career-high of No. 39 that year.
After Holger Rune withdrew, the ITF's rule allowed Ebden, who had qualified for other categories, to fill the empty spot instead of the next highest-ranked singles player.
"I really don't understand the rules," Novak Djokovic told the media following his win.
Djokovic described the rule as illogical and detrimental to the sport.
"It's not logical for me that you have someone withdraws from singles and you call up a doubles player to play singles," Djokovic added. "I don't think it's a good image for the sport, to be honest. There are lots of singles players that had plenty of time to get here and could have been called to come."
"I hope the ITF (International Tennis Federation) and the Olympics change the rule because it was tough on Matt. He hasn't played singles in two years," Novak Djokovic said in that regard.
Novak Djokovic will now take on longtime rival Rafael Nadal for the 60th time in a blockbuster second-round match on July 29.
Rafael Nadal came under fire for criticizing Paris Olympics tennis schedule
Rafael Nadal faced criticism for voicing his displeasure with the 2024 Paris Olympics tennis schedule. Teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz, the duo secured a 7-6(4), 6-4 victory in doubles over Argentina's sixth-seeded duo, Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni, on Saturday night.
However, Nadal was unhappy with his singles match against Hungary's Marton Fucsovics being scheduled for Sunday at 2 pm, expressing doubts about his participation.
"I don't know if I'll play tomorrow, I have to evaluate it with my team. Sometimes less is more," Nadal said.
In an interview with Carrusel Deportivo post his doubles win, the Spaniard slammed the schedule, wondering why his match with Fucsovics was so early.
"Do I play at 2:00 p.m.? I don't understand the schedule, it seems outrageous to me when I'm playing tomorrow at two o'clock. I don't know, I'll have to go back to the village and talk to the team, I'll make the decision that I think is most appropriate to have a chance of getting results for Spain," he said.
Elena Rybakina and Yulia Putintseva received backlash for their late withdrawals from the Paris Olympics
Yulia Putintseva and Elina Rybakina were criticized for their late withdrawals from the Paris Olympics. Putintseva's eleventh-hour withdrawal came just two days after her compatriot Rybakina withdrew from the prestigious tournament.
Rybakina announced her withdrawal shortly after the draw on Thursday, July 25, revealing on social media that she had been diagnosed with acute bronchitis after her 2024 Wimbledon campaign, with doctors advising against training and competing.
On Saturday, July 27, Putintseva withdrew without providing a specific reason, leaving organizers to hastily replace her in the singles draw with New Zealand's Lulu Sun.
Coco Gauff drew criticism after being chosen as USA Flag-Bearer for Paris Olympics
Coco Gauff sparked debate after being named the flag bearer for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Gauff, the youngest American athlete and first tennis player to receive this honor, shared the role with basketball icon LeBron James.
The decision drew criticism from some, who argued that other accomplished female Olympians, such as four-time gold medalist gymnast Simone Biles and seven-time gold medalist swimmer Katie Ledecky, were more deserving of the recognition.
Italian media house sparked outrage for targeting Jannik Sinner's girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya after his Paris Olympics withdrawal
Jannik Sinner and his girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya faced scrutiny from an Italian media outlet after the World No. 1 withdrew from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Sinner, who was the top seed in both singles and doubles, withdrew due to tonsillitis, following his doctor's advice.
Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera suggested that Sinner's new relationship with Kalinskaya might have influenced his decision to withdraw.
"Why Sinner is giving up the Olympics: tonsillitis, fever and that dedication that is difficult to reconcile with age and a new love," the article’s title read (translated from Italian).
The media also linked Kalinskaya to Sinner's Wimbledon semifinal exit and their subsequent Sardinia vacation.
"Sinner, in love - it's not a crime - was eliminated in London by Medvedev and left for a weekend in Costa Smeralda with Kalinskaya, who takes advantage of the opportunity in Sardinia to visit her best friend," the article read.
"The feeling is that, at 22, Jannik is having a bit of trouble reconciling the rigorous dedication that high-level tennis requires of him with the legitimate desire to living his age and new love."
Tennis fans took to social media to express their anger at the Italian media outlet.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
