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HACHIOJI, JAPAN – APRIL 14: Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games mascot Miraitowa poses with the Olympic Symbol after unveiling ceremony on Mt. Takao to mark 100 days before the start of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games on April 14, 2021 in Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon – Pool/Getty Images)
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HACHIOJI, JAPAN – APRIL 14: Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games mascot Miraitowa poses with the Olympic Symbol after unveiling ceremony on Mt. Takao to mark 100 days before the start of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games on April 14, 2021 in Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon – Pool/Getty Images)
With the Tokyo Olympics right around the corner, the entire sports world is buzzing. However, the excitement surrounding the event did face a setback; due to the ongoing pandemic crisis, the Games will take place behind closed doors – without any fans. As a result, numerous athletes withdrew, but many are still eager to represent their country on the biggest sporting stage.
Now, the question that remains for the tennis world is – will tennis players drop points due to their retreat from the Olympics?
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No, the Olympics does not allot any rankings points to players, which means the decision will not affect their World rankings. So, does this trade make it easier for players to avoid the Games? Probably, yes.
Then, will allotting rankings points at the Olympics attract more players?
Let’s look at the pros and cons.
Read More: Tokyo Olympics 2020: Japanese Tennis Team Roster Including Naomi Osaka, Kei Nishikori, and Others
Should governing bodies give ranking points at the Olympics to attract more tennis players?
Depending on the ranking points, the players qualify to compete at the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Thus, ranking points at the Olympics will further improve the chances of lower-ranked players to find a spot in the majors.
But since the Games occur every four years, the benefactor would not lose earned points for four years. It would indeed pose a disadvantage to all the other players. However, if there is a system wherein points earned at the Olympics stand only for the subsequent calendar year, it might work out.
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TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 25: People pass an advert for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on March 25, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. Following yesterdays announcement that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be postponed to 2021 because of the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, IOC officials have said they hope to confirm a new Olympics date as soon as possible. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
Conversely, the Olympics is all about the prestige of representing one’s nation. On top of that, receiving medals for the country instead of rankings points for self makes the feat incomparable. For this reason, the governing bodies might hold on to the traditional structure.
Besides that, most tennis players look forward to playing for their country in the Olympics despite no ranking points. But it is the coronavirus scare that has pushed many to take the hard decision. Unquestionably, many more tennis players will come around for the Paris Olympics 2024.
Also Read: Tokyo Olympics 2020: USA Tennis Team Roster Including Coco Gauff, Tommy Paul, and Others
What to expect from Tokyo Olympics 2020?
No doubt, the absence of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Venus and Serena Williams, and many others will affect the operation of the Games. Yet, the presence of Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray will fill that void at Tokyo Olympics, at least to some extent.
Hopefully, the Olympics will run without any hindrance throughout the schedule. The tennis competitions will commence from July 24 till August 1, 2021.
Who are your favorite gold medal winners for Tokyo Olympics?
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