The Rio 2016 Olympic Games are a unique opportunity for Brazilian tennis fans, who have never before had the chance to see the elite of the sport all in action on home soil. The reactions of spectators in Rio on Sunday (7 August) to seeing some of the biggest names in tennis were something of a show in their own right, contrasting with the more reserved crowds of Europe and other more established tennis venues.

This is Brazil!

Thomaz Belluci celebrates a point during his victory over Dustin Brown (Photo: Rio 2016/Gabriel Heusi)

The first experience of the day for the Brazilian crowd was the match between one of their own, Thomaz Bellucci, against Dustin Brown of Germany. The home support celebrated every point as if it were a goal in the World Cup final. The reception for Brown may have been a little frosty but the German embraced his role as the pantomime villain, even encouraging the boos at one stage.

Solidarity and respect

 Dustin Brown twists his ankle and falls. Commotion in the stands. (Photo: Rio 2016/Gabriel Heusi)

Dustin Brown was proving to be stubborn opposition for the home crowd favourite until he twisted his left ankle. Falling down in the middle of the court, the heckling turned to applause of encouragement for the German. Brown returned to action with his foot bandaged up and once again, the crowd was buzzing. But unfortunately Brown’s return was short lived and, to the dismay of the crowd, he had to throw in the towel. One last round of applause for the injured athlete was a reminder that the Olympic spirit is strong here.

Sharapova saudade

 On the right, Sharapova and Federer are sorely missed. On the left, a popular Brazilian activity: selfie-taking. (Photo: Rio 2016/Gabriel Heusi)

Brazilian fans were clearly delighted to see the elite of world tennis in their backyard, but they also did not hide the fact they were missing some big names who did not make it to Rio 2016. A tribute to Maria Sharapova appeared on a banner with the message: “We really miss you, Maria.” There was space at the bottom for world no.3 Roger Federer who is injured: “We miss you too, Feds.”

Suspense becomes too much

 Serena in action: the American is one of the greatest tennis players of all time. (Photo: Rio 2016/Gabriel Heusi)

Serena Williams was the second star to step on to centre court on Sunday. This was opportunity for the Brazilian public to see up close one of the best tennis players of all time, in a match that was memorable for its long rallies. So long in fact that some of the crowd could not bear the suspense. One rally, that went on for over 20 seconds, proved to be too much for some fans and started to complain as their patience wore thin. They were met with a brusque “Ssh!” A few seconds later Williams capitalised on a winner and killed the rally. The crowd gave her a standing ovation .not just for kill-shot but for playing with the same brand of beautiful tennis with which Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten enchanted the country in his heyday.

Ball boy banter

 Brazilian and proud: a fan poses with the flag of Brazil on centre court. Photo: Rio 2016/Gabriel Heusi)

Few crowds can be as vocal as the Rio 2016 spectators. Brazilians never miss an opportunity for a laugh. At one point, midway through the first set, Serena asked for a new ball for a second serve, but the ball boy’s aim was a little off and the ball did not reach the American. And there rose a voice from somewhere in the stands “Throw the ball properly, my son.”

A gentleman’s gratitude

 All concentration and focus: Murray meant business on court today. (Photo: Rio 2016/Gabriel Huesi)

Andy Murray, world no.2 and London 2012 gold medallist, enjoyed strong support from the Brazilian crowd. “Vamos Murray!” (Let’s go Murray!) were the cries ringing out over centre court. At the end of his game with Viktor Troicki, the Brit showed his gratitude for the support by giving away autographed balls and greeting fans that had gathered by both access tunnels. “Eu te amo Murray!” shouted an enamoured female fan.

Rafamania

 Rafael Nadal greets fans: he is one of the most popular athletes at Rio 2016 (Foto: Rio 2016/Gabriel Heusi)

Nadal is practically a carioca these days; he has done Rio Carnival and has played in tournaments around here as well (the Rio Open). But the current world no.5’s appeal has not waned with familiarity. The cheers that went up as the Spaniard defeated Argentine Federico Delbonis were deafening. He responded with dozens of autographs and took selfies with his loyal fans. This was Nadal’s first victory at the Olympic Games since Beijing (2008), where he won the gold.

With Djokovic out and Federer and Wawrinka injured, Nadal now has a historic opportunity to become the first man to win two Olympic gold medals in the men's singles – unless defending champion Andy Murray beats him to it. If Nadal does it, expect a party to remember in Rio, where the locals have adopted him as their own.