Electric Atmosphere: Fans Return to the Paris Olympics

The Paris Olympics have rejuvenated the spirit of sports with the return of cheering fans after the COVID-19 pandemic had left Tokyo and Beijing's venues eerily silent. The vibrant crowd, especially at Rafael Nadal's match against Novak Djokovic, added a thrilling dimension to the Games that was sorely missed in the previous two Olympics.

The chants of "Ra-fa! Ra-fa!" echoed through Roland Garros as Rafael Nadal stepped onto the court for his match against Novak Djokovic on Monday. The crowd was so hyped that the chair umpire had to ask spectators to be silent during play. The energy at the Paris Olympics is a stark contrast to the subdued atmosphere at the last two Olympic Games held in Tokyo and Beijing, which were conducted without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This is probably a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us," said Jodie Linsey, who traveled 23 hours from Australia with her daughter Ellie, a swimmer, to witness the grandeur of the event. The live audience amplified the spirit of competition across various venues, from judo mats to swimming pools, creating an unprecedented atmosphere. Athletes like Kimberley Woods of Britain, who won bronze in the women's kayak singles slalom event, credited the crowd with boosting their performance.

Rafael Nadal's potential farewell tour at Olympic venues, where he has clinched 14 French Open titles, drew an electric crowd. Despite losing his singles match to Djokovic, Nadal felt energized and appreciated the fans for their unwavering support. Basketball star Kevin Durant and French swimmer Léon Marchand also noticed the stark difference in crowd engagement compared to Tokyo, as enthusiastic fans packed arenas to witness the spectacle. The return of spectators has undeniably reinvigorated the spirit of the Olympic Games.

(With inputs from agencies.)