Some of the biggest names in the world have descended upon Paris for the Olympics this summer, with Serena Williams and Bill Gates among the latest to join the festivities. The tennis legends were spotted at Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s second-round men’s match at Roland Garros on Monday.
Williams, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history, watched intently in oversized brown sunglasses as Djokovic triumphed over his longtime rival, winning 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the next round. Meanwhile, Gates, the Microsoft billionaire, sported a blue-and-red USA cap while sitting alongside his girlfriend, Paula Hurd.
Since the Paris Games officially kicked off over the weekend, a host of other celebrities have also been sighted enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the French capital.
Serena Williams and Bill Gates are among famous faces at the Paris Olympics on Monday
Legendary rapper Snoop Dogg is in attendance for the men’s street skateboarding final on Monday, following his presence at Simone Biles’ impressive qualifying performance on Sunday.
Biles drew a star-studded crowd to Bercy Arena, with notable figures such as Jessica Chastain, Ariana Grande, and Tom Cruise watching as she achieved a top all-around score of 59.566. Lady Gaga was also among the high-profile guests, while Chrissy Teigen and John Legend enjoyed the event with their two children.
Adding to the excitement, First Lady Jill Biden was present at the arena just days after her husband announced he will not be seeking reelection as US President this fall. The Paris Olympics continue to attract a constellation of stars, making it a memorable summer event.
As well as the tennis on Monday, Williams was seen taking in some swimming in Paris over the weekend, while she also played a part in the opening ceremony.
With her and Gates watching on, Djokovic dominated Nadal at the start of their second-round match on Monday.
He then held off a comeback attempt to win 6-1, 6-4 at the Paris Olympics in the 60th — and likely last — head-to-head matchup between the two tennis greats.
Djokovic claimed 10 of the initial 11 games, with Nadal nowhere near the s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed and ever-hustling version of himself that won a record 14 French Open trophies on the same red clay at Roland Garros that is hosting Summer Games matches.
Instead, Nadal was diminished, showing every bit of his 38 years, and looking like someone who might be ready to head into retirement after playing only sparingly the past two seasons because of a series of injuries, including hip surgery.
Then, suddenly, the indefatigable Nadal got going, making a push to turn this contest competitive, which surely no one — least of all Djokovic — found too surprising.
Nadal captured four consecutive games in the second set, including a forehand winner to break to make it 4-all. He raised his left fist, drawing roars from a packed Court Philippe Chatrier crowd that repeatedly tried to encourage him with chants of ‘Ra-fa! Ra-fa!’
And that’s when Djokovic, a 37-year-old from Serbia, regained control. He broke right back, pointing to his left ear while walking to the sideline as if to taunt Nadal’s supporters. Djokovic then served out the victory, before meeting Nadal at the net for a hug.
Djokovic owns 24 Grand Slam titles, and Nadal 22, the two highest men’s totals in the century-plus history of the sport, both have been ranked No. 1, and no pair of men has played each other more often in the professional era.
They are two-thirds of the so-called Big Three of men’s tennis, along with Roger Federer, who retired with 20 Slam titles. That trio enjoyed unprecedented success and prompted endless debates about which was the GOAT — Greatest of All Time.
