Rafael Nadal on Paris Olympics ceremony: ‘A special moment I will never forget’

Speaking with Andy Roddick throughout Served with Andy Roddick podcast, Rafael Nadal shared his ideas about final yr’s Paris Olympics and the final word honor he acquired from the organizers. 

Rafa took half within the opening ceremony forward of his last look in his beloved Paris. The 14-time Roland Garros winner acquired the Olympic torch from Zinedine Zidane and handed it to his colleague, Amelie Mauresmo. 

The Spaniard was among the many final athletes to hold the Olympic torch earlier than it fired the well-known Olympic flame. Rafa carried it proudly in a crimson jacket with the Spanish flag. The legends Carl Lewis, Nadia Comaneci and Serena Williams stood by Rafa on the river Seine.

Rafael Nadal, 2024 Olympics ceremony© Stream screenshot

 

They gathered particular reminiscences on a wet evening on the river Seine, celebrating essentially the most vital sporting occasion on the planet. The 22-time Main winner opened up about what the ceremony meant to him, thanking the organizers for together with him. 

Rafa constructed a particular relationship with Paris twenty years in the past after conquering Roland Garros on his debut in 2005. The Parisian vibes made the Olympic Video games ceremony much more particular for the Spaniard, turning into the expertise he’ll always remember.

The veteran scored one singles victory on Courtroom Philippe-Chatrier. He confronted Novak Djokovic within the second spherical and fell in straight units, competing within the French capital for the final time earlier than retiring three months later. 

Rafael Nadal, 2024 Olympics ceremony© Stream screenshot

 

“I will never thank the Olympic Games organizers enough for making me a part of the ceremony. It was remarkable to receive the torch from Zinedine Zidane’s hands in front of the Eiffel Tower, especially for someone who is not French.

It was one of the most emotional moments of my career. There is no more significant sporting event than the Olympic Games, and I felt honored. Everything happening in Paris carried even more importance for me, knowing my history with that city.

I felt love and support from the people, which made me very happy,” Rafael Nadal mentioned.