Olympic Spotlight: Tennis Stars Shine at Paris Games

Tennis players celebrated their prominent role in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Legends Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal carried the Olympic torch, highlighting their sport. Tennis stars like Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek expressed their pride, indicating the sport's importance at the Games.

Tennis players celebrated the prominent role their sport played at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, which began on Saturday.

Two of tennis' greatest champions, Serena Williams, a four-time gold medallist, and Rafael Nadal, who has won two Olympic titles, carried the Olympic torch on a boat through the rainy French capital on Friday. Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo was among the French sporting champions selected to be the final torchbearers, bringing the flame to the Jardin des Tuileries where the Olympic cauldron was lit.

Poland's world number one, Iga Swiatek, expressed her delight: "I'm happy that tennis is recognised, that our athletes are a big part of this show and a big part of the opening ceremony," she said. "I feel like our sport deserves it, and especially these particular athletes, Rafa and Serena; they are great examples for everybody."

Novak Djokovic, aiming for an Olympic gold to add to his 24 Grand Slam trophies, also welcomed the spotlight on the sport. "As a tennis player, I felt proud that several tennis players had the incredible honour of carrying the torch and receiving significant attention," he noted.

"For tennis players, it can only serve as a great incentive, and we all were happy for that." Other tennis players have also carried the torch at previous Games, with Japan's Naomi Osaka lighting the cauldron at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Britain's Andy Murray and Venus Williams participated in the Olympic torch relay during the London 2012 Games. "It's great to have tennis in the first row of the Olympic Games," commented Italy's two-time Grand Slam finalist, Jasmine Paolini.

(With inputs from agencies.)