Nadal: Games opening was tiring

2008-08-09 15:14

Beijing - Spain's hard man of tennis, Rafael Nadal, said on Saturday the Olympic opening ceremony had tired him out because it involved a lot of waiting around in advance.

But 22-year-old Nadal, who will replace Roger Federer as the new world number one the day after the men's Olympic final whatever happens in Beijing, said Friday's dazzling opening had still been an experience to treasure.

The sheer scale of Olympic opening ceremonies and the heavy security that surrounds them makes it necessary for all the athletes and other participants to get to the stadium well in advance. Friday's ceremony also lasted nearly four hours.

"Yesterday was very emotional, but at the same time a tough moment as we had to wait a lot of time there and I finished (the opening ceremony) very tired," Nadal, the French Open and Wimbledon champion, told reporters.

"But when we went in (to the stadium) it was special," said Nadal.

"This and the US Open is the last big fight," he said, adding he was already looking forward to the end of the US Open, which starts on August 25, and spending a month in Spain.

A golden showdown between Nadal and 27-year-old Federer looms as the Olympic tennis tournament begins on Sunday.

Men's singles third seed Novak Djokovic said the Olympics were proving the perfect energy boost after a gruelling season.

Australian Open champion Djokovic, beaten in the final of Cincinnati last week by Britain's Andy Murray, was caught by TV cameras jumping up and down like a small child at the opening ceremony when the Serbian team paraded around the stadium.

"I felt re-energised last night. It was unforgettable," said the 21-year-old.

"It goes over the normal limits of what we humans know. It's a big pleasure and honour to be part of the most important, most valuable and most well-known event in the world of sport. I'm living the moment."

Neither Djokovic nor Nadal are in singles action on Sunday but both are on doubles duty.

Djokovic faces American Robby Ginepri in the first round while Nadal plays Italian Potito Starace.

- Reuters