Olympics-Tennis players cheer opening ceremony spotlight

By Sybille de La Hamaide

PARIS (Reuters) - Tennis players welcomed the prominent role given to their sport at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics as the tournament began on Saturday.

Two of the sport's greatest champions, four-times gold medallist Serena Williams and Spain's Rafael Nadal, who has won two Olympic titles, carried the Olympic torch on a boat through the rainy French capital on Friday.

Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo was among the French sporting champions chosen to be the last runners to carry the torch, bringing the flame into the Jardin des Tuileries, where the Olympic cauldron was lit.

"I'm happy that tennis is recognised, that our athletes are a big part of this show and a big part of the opening ceremony," Poland's world number one Iga Swiatek said.

"I feel like our sport deserves it, and especially these particular athletes, Rafa and Serena, they are great examples for everybody," she added.

Novak Djokovic, who is seeking to add an Olympic gold medal to his 24 Grand Slam trophies, also welcomed the spotlight on the sport.

"As a tennis player, I felt proud that there was a few tennis players that got that incredible honour to carry the torch and got a lot of attention," he said.

"For tennis players, it can only serve as a great incentive, and we all were happy for that."

Other tennis players had carried the torch at previous Games with Japan's Naomi Osaka, winner of four singles Grand Slams, lighting the cauldron at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Britain's Andy Murray and Venus Williams took part in the Olympic torch relay as part of the London 2012 Games.

"It's great to have tennis in the first row of the Olympic Games," said Italy's twice Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini.

(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Toby Davis)