Djokovic questions lack of points at Olympics

Novak Djokovic has conjectured that the lack of ranking points on offer at the Olympic Games may be one of the reasons why a raft of top-ranked players have withdrawn from the event.

Last week Bernard Tomic announced that he would not be competing in Rio, joining a high-profile list of absentees that includes John Isner, Dominic Thiem and Feliciano Lopez.

Speaking to journalists at the French Open, Djokovic conjectured that the lack of ranking points on offer might be one of the reasons why so many players are deciding to forego the event.

“To be quite frank, I don’t see a reason why not [to offer ranking points],” Djokovic said. “You know, we have the best players in the world participating in arguably the fifth Grand Slam. It’s of that importance for all of us, even more, because it happens every four years.

“It’s a wonderful feeling being there with all the best athletes from around the world, being part of that Olympic Village, representing your country, the experiences with everybody, dining alongside with some of the best athletes. It’s quite different, to be honest. That’s why it’s so special, because it happens every four years.

“You know, it’s a big decision to skip Olympic Games. You never know what can happen in four years.”

Previously, John Isner had intimated that the lack of ranking points – along with the packed summer schedule – were his reasons for skipping the event.

The Rio Olympics are the first time that no points are on offer for winning the event. Andy Murray picked up 750 points for his victory at London 2012.