Flagbearer Rafael Nadal (ESP) of Spain leads his contingent during the opening ceremony at the Maracana stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 5, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO - Former tennis world No 1 Rafael Nadal could not hide his delight after finally holding Spain's flag at an Olympic opening ceremony on Friday.

The 14-time Grand Slam winner was chosen for the honor at the London 2012 Games but missed out because of injury.

Moments before he entered Rio's Maracana stadium, the 30-year-old posted a photo of himself on Instagram with a beaming smile.

"Very happy to be here, really glad," he was quoted as saying by Rio2016.com. "It's something for every sportsman to be proud of, and of course, especially for me after not being in London."