Rafael Nadal reveals astonishing ‘super secret’ about torch passing from Zinedine Zidane at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony

Rafael Nadal was joined by Serena Williams while carrying the Olympic torch at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

Rafael Nadal reveals astonishing ‘super secret’ about torch passing from Zinedine Zidane at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony

Rafael Nadal and Zinedine Zidane (via X)

Rafael Nadal had a special role in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. He was the first torchbearer in the final part of the Olympic Torch relay. The Spanish tennis legend received the torch from French football icon Zinedine Zidane.

Surprisingly, Nadal did not know his exact role until just before stepping onto the stage. Some participants, including him, learned their tasks at the last moment. Despite this, he carried out his part perfectly.

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Five minutes before, 10 minutes before. It was super secret. When I arrived there, honestly, I didn’t know what was going to happen because they wanted it to be completely secret, like a surprise. When it was time, when we were talking there, they started explaining to me, ‘you’re going to be there, you’re going to pick up the torch’. When we see the image, I’m going up stairs, going to the stage to pick up the torch, in that moment I had like two minutes of waiting there. When I realised the moment I started to cry a little bit and when I started to cry I said, ‘Shut up, stop it, it is not the moment to cry, it’s the moment to enjoy’. Try to not be too emotional, just enjoy the moment, let’s go out, do the thing, and let’s have fun.

Rafael Nadal said in the interview on Served With Andy Roddick podcast

The Olympic Games‘ opening ceremonies are usually planned down to the last second. Every detail is rehearsed many times to ensure perfection. But this time, some moments were kept as surprises.

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Nadal retired after the Davis Cup Finals in November. He won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles at the French Open. Roland Garros was the place where he built his greatest legacy.

Rafael Nadal reveals key to his progression on the tennis circuit

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has revealed the principles behind his success on the court. The left-hander believes that attitude and environment are crucial for an athlete’s growth.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via X)

First of all the right determination, and the right people next to you.

Rafael Nadal said on Served With Andy Roddick

Nadal was known not just for his success but also for his intense training sessions. The Spaniard built a reputation for playing every point as if it were his last, displaying unmatched energy whenever he stepped onto the court.

As a result of this mindset, Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles and spent over 200 weeks as the World No. 1 player. Although his career ended in 2024, his connection with the sports industry remains strong. Recently, Nadal was seen playing padel on one of the courts at the Rafa Nadal Academy. Additionally, his passion for golf has never faded.