Olympic Torch Relay: 3 Times Tennis Players Stole The Show

One of the best parts of the Olympics apart from the games is the opening ceremony, in what is considered to be one of the best shows of extravaganza by the host city.

Apart from global personalities and pop stars, iconic legends from the field of sports make their presence felt in the opening ceremony of the Olympics. The participation of tennis players in the torch relays has captivated one and all.

Here are some of the top tennis players to have held the Olympic torch in the opening ceremony:

Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams (Paris Olympic 2024)

Olympic Torch Relay: 3 Times Tennis Players Stole The Show

Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams were at the forefront for the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony of Paris Olympics on July 26, 2024. Nadal received the Olympic flame from French football legend Zinedine Zidane before sailing on a boat on the Seine River where he was joined by Williams, nine-time gold medallist Carl Lewis and five-time gold medallist Nadia Comaneci.

Nadal has won 14 of his 22 Grand Slams titles in Paris at the French Open while 23-Grand Slam winner Williams has three French Open titles in her kitty.

Naomi Osaka (Tokyo Olympics 2020)

Olympic Torch Relay: 3 Times Tennis Players Stole The Show

Japanese powerhouse in tennis and four-time major winner Naomi Osaka the final torchbearer as part of the Olympic Torch Relay at the Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony. She had the distinct honour of lighting the cauldron inside Olympic Stadium on 23 July 2021

Osaka marked her Olympic debut with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Before her maiden Olympic appearance, she had already created waves in the world of tennis.

Also Read: Top 5 Moments From Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony

Maria Sharapova (Sochi Olympics 2014)

Olympic Torch Relay: 3 Times Tennis Players Stole The Show

Maria Sharapova was part of the Olympic Torch Relay at the Opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics on 7 February 2014.A native of Sochi, Sharapova came jogging into Fisht Olympic Stadium with the Olympic torch. She was one of the six decorated Russian Olympians in the torch-lighting relay.

Sharapova was joined by other Olympic champions before the duo of Irina Rodnina (figure skating) and Vladislav Tretyak (hockey) had the final jog out of the stadium to light the cauldron for the official Olympic flame.

The Russian tennis sensation won a silver medal two years ago in the 2012 London Olympics. The five-time Grand Slam winner was a natural pick for the Olympic torch relay.

Also Read: 5 Big Men’s Tennis Players To Miss Paris Olympics 2024