Novak Djokovic reportedly said Tuesday that ATP and WTA Tour rankings points should be available at the Olympics.
In a change from the last three Olympics, no men’s or women’s singles points are available at the Rio Games.
“To be quite frank, I don’t see a reason why not,” the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist said after his first-round win at the French Open, according to Reuters. “You know, we have the best players in the world participating in arguably the fifth Grand Slam [at the Olympics]. It’s of that importance for all of us, even more, because it happens every four years.
“I would definitely encourage people to rethink of getting points out there.”
The top U.S. man, 17th-ranked John Isner, is among tennis players who plan on skipping the Rio Olympics in favor of playing tour events that offer ranking points.
“I think the fact that they have no points, to be honest, was a pretty big factor,” Isner said Tuesday, according to Reuters. “Obviously the Olympics is not about the money, but no points, I think, hindered me a bit.”
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