Djokovic, Alcaraz, & Fritz Cruise Through 1st Round of Olympics

Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Taylor Fritz cruised through the first round of the Olympics.

Weather played a major factor on the tennis courts today. / Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

The big story from the first day of men's singles tennis at the Olympics is the weather. Rain wreaked havoc on the clay courts at Roland Garros. Several matches were delayed or canceled.

However, some of the top players were able to get their first win before the rainy weather took over. No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic, No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, and No. 7 Taylor Fritz all picked up easy wins.

Djokovic took on unranked Matthew Ebden, defeating him in two sets: 6-0, 6-1. Ebden has played doubles regularly, but not a singles match in almost two years. The Australian tennis player had fun throughout the match despite the blowout.

Matt Ebden’s reaction to finally getting a game against Novak Djokovic at the Olympics 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/N3Z7Je8Zh8

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 27, 2024

After the match, Djokovic spoke about his desire to face Rafael Nadal in the second round. Djokovic said, "I've done my part of the work; now he has to win his first match. I'm looking forward to what may possibly be our last dance on this court."

Alcaraz defeated Hady Habib in two sets: 6-3, 6-1. Habib, representing Lebanon, entered today's match with a world ranking of 275. There were few highlights from the lopsided match besides Alcaraz's around-the-net shot in the second set.

Carlos Alcaraz hits an AROUND THE NET shot in his first round match at the Olympics.

The wizard brought his full bag of tricks to Paris.

🪄

pic.twitter.com/rXh2RT3L58

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 27, 2024

After his match, Alcaraz spoke enthusiastically about the energy at the Olympics. He said, "There are so many flags, and it's something we're not used to seeing… I already want to play another match."

Lastly, Fritz defeated Alexander Bublik in two sets: 6-4, 6-4. The start time for the match and the court were changed to accommodate the worsening weather.

Taylor Fritz (USA) told me he was asleep and woken up by his coach to find out he’d be playing earlier than expected and on the main court.

Didn’t seem to affect him as he moved into the Second Round, 6-4/6-4. pic.twitter.com/vRB24D8sNS

— Britney Eurton (@BritneyEurton) July 27, 2024

After the match, Fritz shared how he was unexpectedly awoken this morning. Fritz told NBC Sports he was asleep and woken up by his coach to find out he'd be playing earlier than expected and on the main court.

Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport and beyond.

Further Reading: Jannik Sinner withdraws from the 2024 Summer Olympics due to tonsillitis