By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Friday, July 26, 2024
Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, along with many other players, were featured prominently in the Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris.
Photo Credit: Alex Davidson/Getty Images
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris began with a creative, inventive, and ultimately emotional Opening Ceremony that featured multiple tennis champions and players throughout the day.
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Two of the sport’s most decorated champions, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, made surprise appearances as they carried the Olympic torch, by boat on the river Seine, as it made its way to the Olympic cauldron - in this case a balloon that once lit, rose majestically above the city.
Nadal, competing in this year’s Games for a fourth time in his career, in what could be his final professional event, was given the torch earlier in the event by all-time French soccer great Zinedine Zidane.
Nadal then joined Serena Williams, along with two other Olympic greats, track and field icon Carl Lewis and acclaimed gymnast Nadia Comaneci, as they traveled up the Seine on a boat to its next stop.
Nadal, a two-time gold medalist (2008 singles, 2016 doubles) then passed the torch to two-time Grand Slam champion, 2004 Silver medalist in singles, and now Roland Garros tournament director Amelie Mauresmo.
Once the Olympic flame was lit, Celine Dion concluded the ceremony with an emotional and inspiring performance of Edith Piaf’s L’Hymne à l’amour on top of the Eiffel Tower in her first public concert since announcing she is living with stiff person syndrome.
Earlier in the ceremony, teams from each nation made their entrance traveling by boat down the river Seine.
Several tennis players competing in the event were chosen as flag bearers including Coco Gauff, Elina Svitolina, Nicolas Jarry and Danka Kovinic for their respective nations.
Gauff and fellow Team USA flag bearer LeBron James, proved super popular with their fellow teammates.
During the day, many tennis players participating in the Games posted on social media as they participated in the Ceremony.
That included two-time Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray who is playing the Summer Olympics for his final career event.
Two-time Roland Garros finalist Casper Ruud enjoyed himself despite the rain.
Tennis competition at the Olympics begins tomorrow.
Photo Credit: Alex Davidson/Getty Images