The Olympic title is one of the most sought-after prizes in tennis.
In 2024, Novak Djokovic finally won the gold medal on his fifth visit to the Olympic Games, defeating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
Three years earlier, Germany’s Alexander Zverev took down Karen Khachanov in the final to secure victory in Tokyo.
Photo by Alexander Safonov/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
In total, nine men have won gold in men’s singles since the sport returned to the Olympic calendar in 1988.
Ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, one of those men has suggested two rule changes that he believes would improve the event.
Yevgeny Kafelnikov says the final of the Olympic Games should be best-of-five sets
During the latest episode of ‘Hardcourt’, 2000 Olympic champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov called for a change to the format.
“I have my own, maybe radical opinion about this. I’m absolutely convinced that five-set matches should be played at such a high level. Like it or not, it’s the final match of a major tournament,” he said.
“Back in my day, when I was playing, all the Masters tournaments finals were best-of-five sets, and perhaps that was its own highlight.”
Winning Olympic gold in Sydney 25 years ago, Kafelnikov outlasted Tommy Haas in five sets, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
The Russian legend believes longer matches are better for the fans, as he outlined the risks associated with best-of-three finals.
“Spectators want to come and watch a match that lasts more than two hours and so on. There are tons of great examples of amazing five-set matches played at such important tournaments, such as the Olympics and Masters, and everyone was very happy,” said Kafelnikov.
Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images for International Tennis Hall of Fame
“It’s bad when a match goes by quickly, 6-1, 6-2, it’s all over within an hour, and spectators pay huge amounts of money for tickets and in the end don’t get what they expected.”
Kafelnikov also proceeded to explain how best-of-five set matches can produce more deserving winners than best-of-three set matches.
“Objectively speaking, in a three-set match you can lose two sets basically to anyone,” he said.
“But I am deeply convinced that in a five-set match, the stronger athlete will always win.
“A weak opponent can not beat a strong one in five-set matches.”
The 51-year-old called for another change to the Olympic Games, which has been fiercely debated for several decades.
Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
“I am absolutely in favor of awarding ranking points,” he said.
“I’m absolutely for it. Because it is a tournament where everyone gives their all, and almost all the top players play.”
Ranking points were awarded at the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympics, but were removed from 2016 onwards.
YearGoldSilverBronzeFourth placeQuarterfinalsRound of 16Round of 32Round of 64200440028020515510050255200840028020515510050255201275045034027013570355ATP Ranking points awarded at the Olympics
2008 Olympic gold medalist Elena Dementieva agreed with Kafelnikov, but remembered why many believed awarding ranking points was unfair.
“There were very big debates you remember, some for it, some against it. The argument was that not everyone can get there and take part. The federation doesn’t send everyone to the Olympics,” she said.
“There were some nuances, but of course, it’s a full-fledged tournament with the strongest players. I also think there should have been ranking points.”
Whether either change will be implemented in time for the 2028 Games remains to be seen, but it will certainly be something to look out for…
List of Olympic men’s singles medalists since 1988
Tennis returned to the Olympic calendar in 1988 for the Seoul Games, having last been seen in Paris, 64 years ago.
It was a successful addition, allowing some of the best players in men’s tennis to add an Olympic gold medal to their trophy cabinets.
Olympic GamesGoldSilverBronze1988 – Seoul, South KoreaMiloslav MecirTim MayotteStefan Edberg/Brad Gilbert1992 – Barcelona, SpainMarc RossetJordi ArreseGoran Ivanisevic/Andrei Cherkasov1996 – Atlanta, USAAndre AgassiSergi BrugueraLeander Paes2000 – Sydney, AustraliaYevgeny KafelnikovTommy HaasArnaud Di Pasquale2004 – Athens, GreeceNicolas MassuMardy FishFernando Gonzalez2008 – Beijing, ChinaRafael NadalFernando GonzalezNovak Djokovic2012 – London, UKAndy MurrayRoger FedererJuan Martin del Potro2016 – Rio, BrazilAndy MurrayJuan Martin del PotroKei Nishikori2020 – Tokyo, JapanAlexander ZverevKaren KhachanovPablo Carreno Busta2024 – Paris, FranceNovak DjokovicCarlos AlcarazLorenzo MusettiOlympic men’s singles medalists since 1988
Only time will tell who will win gold in LA when the next Olympics begin on Friday, July 14, 2028.