Matthew Ebden had an ideal response whereas getting completely hammered by Novak Djokovic because the Australian tennis participant approached somebody within the crowd and requested in the event that they needed to exchange him on the court docket.
On Saturday, former world No. 39 Ebden performed his first singles match in two years. And for Ebden – who has been solely centered on doubles for the previous two years – it did not go nicely in any respect as Djokovic destroyed him with a 6-0 6-1 scoreline.
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After dropping the opening eight video games of the match and being in actual menace of getting double-bageled, Ebden determined to poke some enjoyable at himself and the gang liked it.
Matt Ebden asks a fan in the event that they need to take his place in opposition to Novak Djokovic.
Down 0-6, 0-2.
Robust day on the workplace. pic.twitter.com/pt0JsPPDKK
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 27, 2024
Three video games later whereas 0-6 0-4 down, Ebden managed to lastly maintain to one in every of his service video games and get on the board. Nevertheless, that did not change a lot as Djokovic served out the sixth recreation earlier than breaking Ebden once more within the following recreation to finish his demolition of the Australian.
Later, Djokovic apologized Ebden on the web in a humorous method.
Novak Djokovic to Matt Ebden after beating him 6-0 6-1 on the Olympics.
“Sorry man.”
pic.twitter.com/UDfk6y3A5l
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 27, 2024
Ebden could not assist himself however snigger at his brutal draw luck
When the draw was launched, Ebden discovered that he would face Djokovic within the first spherical after which most likely Rafael Nadal if he in some way beats the Serb.
“Once I drew Novak, I may do nothing besides snigger and make enjoyable of myself,” Ebden stated earlier than the match.
“I’ll attempt to make it entertaining and placed on a superb match for the gang. I’ve not performed a aggressive singles match in over two years. I by no means had an opportunity to play in opposition to Novak in singles, and I regretted it a bit, pondering that may by no means occur.
“Now, I’ve a magical alternative to battle in opposition to him on Courtroom Philippe-Chatrier in my remaining singles match. It will likely be enjoyable, however I do know why I got here to Paris. My real looking chances are high in two doubles attracts, and that is my precedence.”
