Matt Ebden’s journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is the epitome of perseverance and dedication, built on a tennis career punctuated by triumph and resilience.
Melbourne, Australia, July 19, 2024 | Sarah Dyce
This article was originally published on: Australian Olympic Committee website.
Matt Ebden’s journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is the epitome of perseverance and dedication, built on a tennis career punctuated by triumph and resilience.
His switch to full-time doubles in 2022 has been a huge transformation for him as he has risen to the top of the ATP Tour rankings, securing the coveted world number one spot, a title no Australian has achieved since Todd Woodbridge in 2001.
At Grand Slam tournaments, Ebden has shown her doubles prowess, winning the mixed doubles title with Jarmila Gaidosova at the 2013 Australian Open.
He further solidified his credentials by winning the 2022 Wimbledon Championships with Max Purcell and the 2024 Australian Open with Rohan Bopanna.
Ebden, 36, has represented her country many times but Paris will be her first time wearing the green and gold as an Olympian.
“When you grow as a tennis player, the Grand Slam becomes your real goal,” he said.
“Then you will realize that playing for your country is the greatest honor.
“Representing your country’s sport at the Olympic Games is the greatest achievement and pinnacle for any sportsman or sportswoman. I am looking forward to joining all my fellow athletes in Paris.”
Ebden is determined to claim Olympic glory on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
“Going out there as one of the best players in the world, you naturally have expectations and you feel pressure,” the West Australian said.
“I want to compete for medals, especially gold.”
Ebden will team up with doubles partner John Pierce in Paris.
Pierce is one of three Australian male players to have won an Olympic medal in tennis and will be looking to build on his success at Tokyo 2020, when he won bronze in the mixed doubles alongside Ash Barty.
The remaining men’s medals were won by Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde, known as “The Woodies”, who won Australia’s first tennis medal, gold at Atlanta 1996, and silver at Sydney 2000.
Beyond his personal aspirations, Ebden is looking forward to the camaraderie and support within the Australian team.
“As tennis players, we always fight for ourselves individually,” he said.
“But it’s a really special feeling to be part of such a big group of world-class athletes who all have the same goal of winning a medal for Australia and I’m looking forward to competing for my country.”
The tennis tournament will run from July 27 to August 4.
The men’s doubles first round begins at 8pm (AEST) at the Roland Garros stadium on July 27.
