The Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics will mark a significant chapter in the history of Olympic tennis, bringing the sport to the USTA Training Center in Carson, California. This venue, with a seating capacity of approximately 7,259, will host the tennis competitions from July 14 to July 30, 2028. The choice of Carson, a city with a rich sports culture, reflects the Olympic Committee's commitment to utilizing diverse venues across the Los Angeles area to enhance the Games' accessibility and community engagement.
Competition Format and Events
The Olympic tennis tournament at LA 2028 will feature five events:
Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles: Each event will consist of a 64-player draw, with matches played in a best-of-three sets format.
Men’s Doubles and Women’s Doubles: Each event will have a 32-team draw, with matches played in a best-of-three sets format, utilizing a match tiebreak in lieu of a third set.
Mixed Doubles: This event will feature 16 teams, with matches played in a best-of-three sets format, also using a match tiebreak in place of a third set.
The tournament will follow a straight knockout format, culminating in medal matches for each event. The inclusion of mixed doubles adds a dynamic element to the competition, highlighting the sport's emphasis on gender equality and teamwork.
Qualification System
Qualification for the tennis events at LA28 will be determined through a combination of ATP and WTA world rankings, as well as performance in key international tournaments. Each National Olympic Committee (NOC) can enter a maximum of six players (three men and three women), with a maximum of four entries in the singles events and two pairs in the doubles events. The top-ranked players and teams will secure their spots, ensuring a high level of competition and representation from across the globe.
Notable Athletes to Watch
Several top-ranked players are expected to compete at LA 2028, bringing a blend of experience and youthful energy to the Games. Novak Djokovic, who has made a significant impact in recent Olympic tournaments, will be a strong contender in the men's singles event. In the women's singles, Iga Świątek, known for her dominance on the WTA tour, will be a favorite for the gold medal. The doubles events will feature established partnerships, as well as emerging teams aiming to make their mark on the Olympic stage.
Legacy and Impact
The inclusion of tennis in the LA 2028 Summer Olympics underscores the sport's global appeal and its ability to bring together athletes from diverse backgrounds. Hosting the tournament at the USTA Training Center in Carson provides an opportunity to showcase the facilities and infrastructure that support tennis development in the United States. The Games are expected to inspire future generations of players and contribute to the growth of tennis worldwide.