Would the ranking points at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have attracted more tennis players?

As the Tokyo Olympics approach, the entire sports world is in turmoil. However, the excitement surrounding the event faced a setback; due to the current pandemic crisis, the Games will be held behind closed doors – without any fans. As a result, many athletes have stepped down, but many are still keen to represent their country on the biggest sporting stage.

Now the question that remains for the tennis world is: will tennis players lose points due to their withdrawal from the Olympics?

No, the Olympics do not award any ranking points to players, which means the decision will not affect their world ranking. So, does this trade make it easier for players to avoid the Games? Probably yes.

So, will the allocation of ranking points at the Olympics attract more players?

Let’s look at the pros and cons.

Should governing bodies award ranking points to the Olympics to attract more tennis players?

Based on ranking points, players qualify to participate in the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Thus, ranking points at the Olympics will further improve the chances of lower ranked players to find a place in the majors.

But since the Games are held every four years, the benefactor would not lose the points earned for four years. This would indeed constitute a disadvantage for all other players. However, if there is a system in which points earned at the Olympics are only valid for the following calendar year, it might work.

Conversely, the Olympics are all about the prestige of representing one’s nation. On top of that, receiving medals for the country instead of ranking points for yourself makes the feat unmatched. For this reason, the governing bodies could retain the traditional structure.

On top of that, most tennis players are eager to play for their country in the Olympics despite the lack of ranking points. But it was the fear of the coronavirus that prompted many to make the difficult decision. Undoubtedly, many more tennis players will come for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

What to expect from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games?

There is no doubt that the absence of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Venus and Serena Williams, and many others will affect the functioning of the Games. Still, the presence of Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray will fill that void at the Tokyo Olympics, at least to some extent.

Hopefully the Olympics will run unhindered throughout the calendar. The tennis competitions will start from July 24 to August 1, 2021.

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