It’s time for the Clash of Titans at the Paris Olympics once again! Tennis enthusiasts around the globe are on the edge of their seats as Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic prepare to face off in what promises to be one of the most fierce and electrifying matches on the grandest stage of sports. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with fans and experts alike buzzing in anticipation. Amidst all this excitement, a surprising twist has come from Coco Gauff’s coach, Brad Gilbert who has sparked a new conversation by suggesting a change in the format of the sport.

Gilbert is known for his out-of-the-box insights and views on tennis and has always pitched in ideas that get the tennis community thinking deep. His latest suggestion is no different, as he requested the Olympic committee to restore the past format of the game, at least in the finals, to add to the thrill of the sport.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, the former-pro wrote, “Djoker vs Escape from Alcaraz tomorrow for the @Olympics gold medal 🥇.” Remember, Alcaraz and Nole are set to take against each other in a rematch of the Wimbledon finals on Court Philippe Chatrier at 12:00 PM local time. Continuing further, Gilbert suggested the change for the next Olympics in Los Angeles and wrote, “a few changes I would make for 28 LA Olympics, all medal matches in doubles play the 3rd out  no match TB, the men’s gold medal match absolutely 💯 should be B05 👊😎👍💪.”

Gilbert’s Tweet not just highlights the excitement that is palpable amongst the fans but also the resilience of both Djokovic and Alcaraz. Both players have demonstrated incredible resilience in the past and have gone on to win five-setter matches despite being two down initially. But with the introduction of the best-of-three format, the case might be different giving them fewer opportunities to fight back. 

For the unversed, the format of the men’s singles finals was changed only before the last Olympics in Tokyo. It was in 2019 when the International Tennis Federation announced that the format of the finals would be changed from best-of-five to best-of-three tiebreak. The decision was taken to avoid the toll on the physique of players and help them overcome scheduling challenges.

When a user reflected upon the same with their response to Gilbert’s tweet, the American coach further emphasized that the entire tournament used to be in five sets back in 1988, when he participated in the Seoul Olympics and won bronze. But, amidst the call for changes, it is Djokovic who has made his plans clear for the finals.

Djokovic opens up about his desire for Gold at Paris Olympics

The Serbian Maestro has ruled the tennis courts for years now. However, despite winning the Grand Slams 24 times, he has failed to demonstrate similar gameplay in the Olympics with his highest achievement being the bronze medal in the Beijing Games of 2008. But as he gears up to play his first Olympic finals, his aspiration is clear. 

Speaking after defeating Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals, Nole said, “I’ve been waiting for this for almost 20 years.” Continuing further, he shared his plans for the next match. “First time that I managed to get past SF. I won’t stop here, I’ll go for the gold medal. I brought medal to my country!” Nole said after the match.

As the tournament draws closer, the destiny would reveal its plan soon. But what remains certain is an exhilarating final for the fans. Can Djokovic win his first Gold at the Olympics? Well, only time will tell.