SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER!
 
 
Facebook Social Button Twitter Social Button Follow Us on InstagramYouTube Social Button
NewsScoresRankingsLucky Letcord PodcastShopPro GearPickleballGear Sale

Popular This Week

Net Notes - A Tennis Now Blog

Net Posts

Industry Insider - A Tennis Now Blog

Industry Insider

Second Serve - A Tennis Now Blog

Second Serve

 


Rio evokes euphoria in some tennis stars.

"Rio is a great city," says Rafael Nadal. "A city with good atmosphere, good rhythm, good beaches, good atmosphere on the beaches. Generally, it's a happy city."

More: Djokovic on Big Four Farewell

Nadal, who has been sidelined since withdrawing from Roland Garros with a left wrist injury, hopes to return in singles and doubles at the Rio Olympics. The 2008 Olympic gold medal champion was chosen as Spanish flag bearer.

Nadal, Ana Ivanovic, Andrea Petkovic, Kristina Mladenovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Venus Williams are among several stars who share their perceptions of Rio in this International Tennis Federation video.

Four-time Olympic gold-medal champion Venus says she started thinking about competing in Rio during closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics.

"I was excited for Rio before London even ended," Venus said. "When they had the exchange at the end of the closing ceremonies where Rio had their moment on stage for the transfer, I was just so excited.

"I waited four years, just trying to stay healthy, keep my ranking up and do all the things I could do to be there."

Nadal, who has played the ATP event in Rio in recent years, joined David Ferrer and Hall of Famer Guga Kuerten celebrating the 2015 Rio Carnival dancing in the rain.







Posted: