BEIJING, Aug 9: Top tennis stars raved about the Olympics opening ceremony on Saturday, although Rafael Nadal complained he missed the best bits.

Four-time Olympian and 1996 gold-medallist Lindsay Davenport said it was the best moment of her career.

“That’s probably the greatest night I’ve had in my whole professional career,” she said. “To be around all the other American athletes to start the night was very inspiring.”

The US team also received a surprise visit from President George W. Bush and his ex-president father.

“Regardless of anybody’s philosophies we still have a tremendous respect for our leaders so that was extremely cool,” she said. “We really felt a sense of unity as a country.”

Djokovic said glittering occasion in the ‘Bird’s Nest’ Stadium was simply out of this world. “A very unforgettable experience. It’s very difficult to describe because it’s something that goes over the normal limits that we humans know,” he said. “For me as a first-time participant in such a great event being here is just a big pleasure and being part of the most important, most valuable, most well-known event in the world of sport is just great.”

Nadal said he enjoyed the event but was behind scenes as the spectacular events unfolded.

“It’s disappointing I didn’t see it because I was waiting outside,” he said. “Everybody told me it was a very nice ceremony, especially before we went into the stadium but when we were there it was a special and historic thing.”

He added that he ended up tired from all the standing around.—AFP