The ITF Board of Directors has approved the revised date of the world rankings used as part of the Qualification System (QS) to determine direct entries for the Tokyo Olympic Tennis Event at the Ariake Tennis Park on Saturday 24 July – Sunday 1 August 2021.
The ATP and WTA world rankings of Monday 14 June will now be used to select players eligible for direct acceptance into men’s and women’s singles and doubles. This decision was made on the recommendation of the ITF Olympic Committee, in consultation with the ATP and WTA, and is subject to final approval by the IOC Executive Board.
The change of ranking date from 7 June to 14 June 2021 is to reflect the new dates of 2021 Roland Garros which will now be held one week later than originally planned from 24 May until 13 June.
The Olympic Tennis Event features 64 players in men’s and women’s singles, 32 teams in men’s and women’s doubles, and 16 teams in mixed doubles. Each nation is limited to a maximum of six men and six women, with a maximum of four singles players and two doubles teams for both genders. Nations are also limited to two mixed doubles teams.
Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Naomi Osaka is widely considered a favourite for gold as she makes her Olympic debut at her home Games and on her favourite surface - hard court.Osaka, who was named 2021 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, has been praised for using her platform to raise awareness of issues such as police violence, racial injustice and mental health.
Two-time defending champion Andy Murray has been selected for Great Britain's tennis team at the Tokyo Olympics.Murray, 34, will play in the men's singles alongside Dan Evans and team up with Joe Salisbury in the doubles.There is no place for doubles specialist Jamie Murray in Team GB while Heather Watson and Johanna Konta will compete in the women's singles.
The Tennis Association of Serbia have moved to dismiss claims Novak Djokovic could skip this summer's Olympic Games. A host of tennis stars have already withdrawn from the Olympics, including Rafael Nadal, but it appears French and Australian Open champion Djokovic will travel to Japan. Tennis players have complained about burn-out amid a hectic schedule and strict Covid-19 protocols.
While Djokovic is prepared to travel, Nadal explained physically he wasn’t up to competing at the Olympics this summer. “I have decided not to participate at this year’s Championships at Wimbledon and the Olympic Games in Tokyo,” Nadal said on Twitter. “It’s never an easy decision to take but after listening to my body and discuss it with my team I understand that it is the right decision.
To be eligible to compete in the Olympic Tennis Event, all athletes must be in good standing with their National Association and the International Tennis Federation. In addition, athletes must meet the minimum requirements regarding participation in Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.
The odds on tennis at the 2021 Summer Olympics is in the menu to the left.