WATCH: “She’s a rockstar” – Serena Williams almost falls into the river during Olympic torch rally alongside Rafael Nadal; fans react 

Serena Williams return to Paris as she was involved as the torch-bearer.

WATCH: “She’s a rockstar” – Serena Williams almost falls into the river during Olympic torch rally alongside Rafael Nadal; fans react 

Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams (Via Imago)

Serena Williams almost had an embarrassing moment during the 2024 Paris Olympics torch-bearing ceremony. The Olympics began with the traditional opening ceremony, which was held outside the stadium for a change. 

This was the first time in history that the ceremony did not take place in the stadium. And also for the first time, athletes not from the host nation were involved in the torch-bearing. 

YouTube video

Athletes from all countries traveled on boats over river Seine and a bridge near the Eiffel Tower. As usual, the French athletes started to pass the torch along before soccer star Zinedine Zidane passed it along to Rafael Nadal, who took it on the boat and passed it along to Williams. 

FS Video

However, she was having a shaky ride on the boat, and as it sped along the river she almost fell into the river. She had to find her balance and was helped by Nadia Comaneci. 

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Serena Williams arrives on the red carpet before the Opening Ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games along the Seine River

Fans react as Serena Williams has a moment of embarrassment during the torch-bearing

Fans had a bit of a laugh after Serena Williams could not handle the rocky boat ride while trying to keep hold of the torch. Besides laughing at her expense, some fans were also pretty unhappy with her presence. 

Serena Williams
Serena Williams (Via Imago)

While some French athletes did miss out on the torch-bearing, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, and a few other non-French athletes were a part of it, causing a storm online.

Here are some fan reactions: 

At the Paris Olympics, Nadal is set to participate in both singles and doubles. He will play his first-round match against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics and could face Novak Djokovic in the second round. In the men’s doubles, he is partnering Carlos Alcaraz and they will be in action on Saturday (July 27). 

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