The Australian Olympic Committee has announced two changes to the tennis team for Paris 2024.
Twenty-two-year-old Olivia Gadecki has been selected to make her Olympic debut in women’s doubles, with Australia receiving a women’s doubles quota from the International Tennis Federation this week.
Olivia will partner Ajla Tomljanovic in the women’s doubles.
Meet Olivia
On the men’s side, Chris O’Connell has unfortunately withdrawn from the singles competition due to injury.
Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Anna Meares congratulated Olivia while sharing her disappointment for Chris.
“Congratulations to Olivia on earning her Olympic debut in Paris in the women’s doubles,” she said. “It is a great reward for a fantastic season.
“I also want to share my commiserations with Chris. Injuries are a constant risk for every elite athlete, but to happen so close to a debut Olympics is a real disappointment. I wish Chris a quick recovery and rehab and hope to see him vying for an Olympic spot again in the future.”
Olivia, who qualified for her first singles main draw at Wimbledon last week, is delighted to join the team.
“It's incredible. I honestly didn't really think this was going to be the case, but to get the call up is really exciting,” she said.
“It's an athletes’ dream to go to the Olympics and represent their country. So to be able to do that is very exciting.
“It means so much to me, wearing the green and gold with so much pride. Not often do you get to represent your country and be a part of something bigger than yourself.”
Olivia is currently the world No.75 in doubles and has enjoyed a brilliant season on the doubles court.
Playing with a variety of partners in 2024, she has won 12 of 15 matches, a highlight being her first WTA title in Austin alongside Brit Olivia Nicholls.
Olivia is also excited about the chance to participate in a team environment – something tennis players rarely get to experience.
“It's such an individual sport, tennis. Like I said, to be part of something bigger than yourself is something that doesn't happen often, and to be able to have that opportunity is amazing. I just can't wait to soak it up.
“I've known Ajla probably since I was 16. Growing up watching her train in Brisbane during her pre-season was very special. And I learned a lot from her,” Olivia added.
“To be sharing the court with her at the Olympics is very special, and I'm really looking forward to it.”
The Tennis competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be held from Saturday 27 July to Sunday 4 August 2024 at Roland Garros in Paris.
