Olympic Games—Paris, France

Djokovic, Swiatek and Alcaraz Win Olympic Openers

Saturday’s opening day at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games saw a trio of Grand Slam legends advance to the second round.

First up, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek stormed into the second round after defeating Irina-Camelia Begu 6-2, 7-5.

Needing one hour and 45 minutes to advance, Swiatek broke serve on five occasions. The top seeded Pole will next face either Nadia Podoroska or Diane Parry for a place in the third round.

On the men’s side, Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz breezed into the second round after ousting Hady Habib 6-3, 6-1.

Alcaraz, who has been on fire this year by claiming his third and fourth Majors in Paris and England, will next face Cameron Norrie or Tallon Griekspoor in the second round.

Alcaraz slammed five aces and hit nine forehand winners during the one hour and 10 minute contest.

Aiming to win the only major title that has alluded his legendary career, Novak Djokovic began his Olympic campaign in style by dismantling Matthew Ebden from Australia 6-0, 6-1.

Needing only 53 minutes to advance, Djokovic hit four aces, struck seven backhand winners and broke the serve of his opponent on six occasions.

Djokovic will next face either Marton Fucsovics or his greatest rival Rafael Nadal in the second round.

Nadal, who has won at Stade Roland Garros on 14 occasions, has been hampered by injuries all season, but recently made the finalist in Bastad, Sweden.

If that encounter does take place, it will be the 60th meeting between the two best players of all time.

Other winners on Saturday saw Wimbledon and French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini advance in her first match of the event.

The Italian defeated Ana Bogdan from Romania 7-5, 6-3.

As always, check back for daily updates on TennisConnected for all your previews and reviews from this week on Tour.

Stream all the action live this week from the Olympic Tennis event right here.