Last-minute preparation for a trip, last-minute cramming before a test, and last-minute entry into the Olympics draw in tennis – they rarely go right. And this time is no different for the Australian tennis star, Matthew Ebden. Andy Murray’s unfortunate singles withdrawal from what was supposed to be his last Olympics presented a golden opportunity for Ebden. However, his journey will be anything but a cakewalk from the get-go. And he knows it very well, as the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic, awaits him to begin his journey for Olympic Gold!

When Ebden heard that he got a chance to represent his nation in the tennis singles, he might have been excited. However, not for long. The first thing any player would do is to look at the draw, to know the names of his possible opponent, and the chances of him getting close to the medal. And that’s where things went downhill for the Australian, as his first opponent is the Gold hungry Djokovic. After several upsets at the Olympics, Djokovic is ready to of whatever it takes to increase his chances at the Olympics gold. And that’s what makes Ebden his prey.

However, if Ebden emerges as a dark horse, and crushes Djokovic in some twist of fate, what could be assumed as a last chance at Olympic glory? His next opponent would be another battle-hardened, 22-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal. And he could be more dangerous than Djokovic, as Paris’ courts are the same place that gave him 14 French Open titles. And the King won’t go down without a fight. Moreover, he can never be discounted for short on his favorite turf.

Hence, Ebden’s terrified reaction after hearing and contemplating this news makes all the more sense. And he didn’t forget to share it with his fans through his Instagram account. While this tennis fan took to X, to share his understandable dilemma.

While Murray withdrew from singles to focus on doubles at the Olympics to give him a shot at the medal, this decision of his threw Ebden straight into the den of lions. Can Ebden turn this around? Or will Djokovic mark a terrific start to his campaign and meet Nadal in the 2nd round?

Why does Jimmy Connors believe that “it’s hard to bet” against Novak Djokovic?

Why shouldn’t it be hard to bet against Djokovic? There are many reasons why, despite being 37 years old, Djokovic is mighty fit for his age. And his surgery has put an eclipse of doubts over his form. He dissipated them during the Grass Slam itself. Moreover, he is the World No.2, with 24 Grand Slam titles. And now, why should there be doubts over his quest for Olympic gold?

Because there is a huge ghost to bury and move forward, this would be Djokovic’s 5th Olympics, and he got a sliver of success only at his debut in Beijing. Beginner’s luck? Maybe/ maybe not, but his performance at the quadrennial event has not led him to his destination.

However, Jimmy Connors believes all the former reasons and many more, as he bet for the Serbian ace. He said, “You know, but saying that and in and I keep going back, you know, age, you know, Djoker being 36, you know, 37 years old. It’s hard to ever bet against him. You know, no matter who he plays, because he can always rise to the occasion.” 

Hopefully, Djokovic would rise to the occasion in Paris, as Serbia has waited long for him to be crowned as the greatest at the greatest tournament.