Apparently because of his dominance at The French Open.
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Ok yeah I heard them saying that. My partner said there was an EU skit so I wondered it was more about unity of the EU and it being an olympics for the whole of Europe. But I guess that doesn’t explain Serena
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I like the boat idea. Could’ve done a lot more with that. Australia sharing with Zambia and Zimbabwe was very random to me. The rest of it was mostly forgettable.
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At least Nadal has a connection to Paris - meanwhile the Minions come out of nowhere for some weird skit, and then into the national anthem halfway through the ceremony?
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I think it would’ve been because Paris have one of only four Grand Slams in the world, in the French Open at Roland Garros and Rafa is inextricably linked with said event. I thought it was fine and actually would’ve been surprised if there wasn’t some inclusion of him somewhere. He and the game are obviously very popular in France.
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Watching the replay now. I like the concept of the outdoor ceremony. You can see that they were open it up and show off the city instead of an indoor stadium that could have been broadcast from anywhere. It really is just the weather that let it down.
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I liked that they did something completely different and it opens up future Olympics to showcase the city more rather than just being in stadium (which becomes quite repetitive). So for me that’s a good thing
Sure it wasn’t perfect and at times felt a bit disjointed being spread out across so many locations. Although that’s what made it unique. I did like the boat concept with the athletes trickling out at different points throughout the show (rather than the usual one big boring section) and the ending at the Eiffel Tower really was spectacular. The laser show, the torch lighting and Celine Dion finishing it off from the Eiffel Tower was spectacular. It just was a real shame about the rain.
Anyone calling this the “worst ever” obviously are purists that don’t like change. Good on them for modernising it and making the ceremony a real talking point again, even if not executed perfectly. I’m certain this one will get people talking and will remain very memorable whether you liked it or not.
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A daily MUST READ as per every Olympics and Comm Games, keeps you well abreast and easily, Sir Schedule, Lachlan McKirdy of AFL News Corp in Sydney: 
https://x.com/LMcKirdy7/status/1817069047806132318?t=oX8KZxw_xtWKWDZDmVxlTw&s=19
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Anyone know where Dasha is?
Indicated her tennis match would be on about now, but Google (utilising the official IOC Olympics website schedule and live results) doesn’t even have her listed ATM in that discipline, Women’s Singles underway this evening 
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More punishments for Canadian women’s football team over the drone spying scandal.
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Canada’s lucky the women’s football team wasn’t disqualified. Cheating is cheating, it doesn’t matter who in a team environment cheated, they all should go home. It’s not in the spirit of the Olympics, it’s not sporting.
Australia’s triathlon team has declared they will enter the River Seine regardless of the water quality as Paris Olympics organisers consider changing the triathlon to a bike-run duathlon and moving the marathon swimming to the rowing venue. The latest tests on the water quality of the River Seine revealed it was below the standard required to authorise swimming.
The quality of the water in the iconic river has been a major concern for Olympics organisers. And the persistent rain that marred Friday night’s opening ceremony along the famed river has caused further headaches for Games organisers who are reportedly considering not allowing athletes to swim in the Seine.
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We come after them (the last two nations) as we’re third in line in terms of hosting.
Alex DeMinaur has withdrawn from the singles draw at the Paris 2024 games. He will still play doubles with Alexi Popryin. That’s a shame.
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TJ just said in a news cross in Melbourne “some good and bad news about Alex de Minaur”. He was never truly fit, shouldn’t have gone, was clear from the French Open, but missed Tokyo 2020 so was eager to go to Paris 
Are tennis matches still playing catch-up after last night’s rain delays?
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Skateboarding delayed until Monday, due to the rain. That’s disappointing.
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Yup. 
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I think that’s the men’s from last night. The women’s should be going ahead today at 1am eastern.
Look at the crowds at the cross country equestrian. Never seen the huge crowds like this. Just tremendous. I was at Versailles last year and it’s mightly impressive. The organizers have done such a good job with all these temporary venues.
Massive crowds lining the course. Amazing.
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Oh ok sweet. I was going to say conditions around Paris are looking blue sky and sunny, Matt Hill noting it before and looking at the rowing on 9Go! HD right now
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Tennis:
It’s turned out pear-shaped like Tokyo… Ash Barty crashed and burned coming off her historic Wimbledon victory and now Hijikata, Ebden and de Minaur gone.
Fingers crossed for Alexi Popyrin later tonight 
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I would really l question the inclusion of the tennis in the games. But alas we manage.
Dasha also gone, pulled out like Demon to focus on doubles.
Tomljanovic v Coco Gauff tomorrow.
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I didn’t even realise he went until his name kept popping up in the schedule. Tbh I was very surprised he ended up going.
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