Matt Ebden’s journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics epitomises perseverance and dedication, cast by means of a tennis profession highlighted by triumphs and resilience.
Melbourne, Australia, 19 July 2024 | Sarah Dyce
This text was initially printed on the Australian Olympic Committee web site.
Matt Ebden’s journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics epitomises perseverance and dedication, cast by means of a tennis profession highlighted by triumphs and resilience.
Transitioning to full-time doubles in 2022 proved transformative as he ascended to the top of the ATP Tour rankings, securing the coveted world No.1 place – a distinction not held by an Australian man since Todd Woodbridge in 2001.
In Grand Slam tournaments, Ebden has demonstrated his doubles prowess, securing the blended doubles title on the 2013 Australian Open alongside Jarmila Gajdošová.
He additional solidified his credentials profitable the 2022 Wimbledon Championships partnering with Max Purcell and the 2024 Australian Open alongside Rohan Bopanna.
The 36-year-old has represented his nation quite a few occasions, however Paris is the primary time Ebden dons the inexperienced and gold as an Olympian.
“Whenever you develop up as a tennis participant, the Grand Slams are your actual focus,” he stated.
“You then begin to realise taking part in to your nation is the last word honour.
“To symbolize your nation in your sport on the Olympics, it’s the very best peak and achievement for any sportsman or sportswoman, and I simply can’t wait to affix all my fellow athletes in Paris.”
Ebden is steadfast in his pursuit of Olympic glory on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
“Getting in as the highest participant on this planet, I’m naturally going to have expectations and put strain on myself,” the West Australian stated.
“I need to compete for medals, notably aiming for that gold.”
Ebden will workforce up with John Friends as his doubles associate for Paris.
Friends might be hoping so as to add to his success, as considered one of solely three Australian males to win an Olympic medal in tennis, claiming bronze in blended doubles in Tokyo 2020 alongside Ash Barty.
The remaining medals for males come courtesy of Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde, often known as “The Woodies”, who received Australia’s first medal in tennis, securing gold on the Atlanta 1996 Video games, swiftly adopted by a silver medal on the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Past private aspirations, Ebden eagerly anticipates the camaraderie and assist inside the Australian workforce.
“As tennis gamers, we’re at all times out individually preventing for ourselves,” he stated.
“However to be a part of such a giant group of world-class athletes all making an attempt to win medals for Australia, with the identical objective, it’s going to be a brilliant particular feeling and I can’t wait to compete for my nation.”
The tennis occasions run from 27 July to 4 August.
The primary spherical of the lads’s doubles begins 27 July at Roland-Garros Stadium from 8:00pm (AEST).
