The 2024 Paris Olympics officially kicked off on Friday with an impressive Opening Ceremony, and tennis was prominently featured in the festivities, even though competition began the next day.

Though Rafael Nadal wasn’t on Spain’s official boat floating down the Seine, he still made sure to be part of the celebration at his final Olympics. The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion watched the event from a nearby balcony alongside his wife, Maria Francisca Perello, and their son, Rafael Jr., proudly displaying a Spanish flag from the railing.

As night fell, a surprise awaited the audience. Nadal, along with Serena Williams, Carl Lewis, gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci, and former tennis champion Amelie Mauresmo, were among the featured carriers of the Olympic flame, a star-studded moment that quickly became a highlight on social media.

Earlier in the ceremony, Maria Sakkari was the first tennis player many fans spotted, participating with the Greek delegation that paraded down the river, honoring Greece’s historic role as the birthplace of the Olympics.

The ceremony included participation from other notable tennis players. Andy Murray, competing in his final tournament, proudly waved the Union Jack with a smile as he joined Team GB. Coco Gauff, serving as the female flag bearer for Team USA, took center stage as the Americans paraded shortly before 10 p.m. local time. Gauff shared a viral moment with WNBA star A’ja Wilson, exchanging hugs and “I love you!”s.

For first-time Olympian Emma Navarro, the experience was surreal, capturing her excitement on Instagram with the caption, “Can’t believe this is my life.”

The Opening Ceremony set a grand stage for the Olympics, with tennis stars shining brightly amidst the celebration, promising an exciting start to the games in Paris.