Casper Ruud is one of the favorites in the Paris Olympics. Most likely he will not compete in the mixed doubles tournament. Photo: Daniel Cole / AP / NTB
Of NTB | 23.04.2024 07:00:31
Sport: The challenge is that if you are going to participate in mixed doubles, you must be qualified from the outset for either the singles or doubles tournament.
– There is a small chance, but it is there, says Fredrik Lovén to NTB.
He is the national team manager in the Norwegian Tennis and Padel Association.
For Ruud/Eikeri to become a reality in Paris, Eikeri should play for a place within the top ten in the doubles ranking. Then she will immediately be qualified, but she will then need a compatriot within the top 300 on one of the rankings.
Malene Helgø is currently in 388th place in the singles ranking. After that, the Olympic places will be distributed according to the combined ranking of the two doubles players.
31-year-old Eikeri is currently in 26th place in the doubles ranking after a narrow final loss in Stuttgart on Sunday.
In Germany, Eikeri also suffered an injury which means that she will be on the sidelines for a short period.
There are only 16 teams competing in the mixed doubles tournament at the Olympics.
– Ruud/Eikeri would represent a big medal opportunity?
– Yes. They showed that in the United Cup in December (beating Croatia). Casper doesn’t really play doubles or mixed particularly often, but if you are good at tennis, it tends to work in doubles too, says Lovén.
Among other things, Eikeri has played in the final at Roland-Garros in mixed doubles. On the WTA tour, she has three doubles titles.
The world ranking on 10 June determines which athletes qualify for this summer’s Games.
(© NTB)