Madrid: Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal was named the flag bearer for his country at the London Olympic Games which begin July 27.

Nadal, who won the gold medal four years ago in Beijing, will have the honour of carrying the Spanish flag in the opening ceremony.

He was chosen by a meeting of Spain's sporting federations and chosen by a unanimous vote, it was announced by Alejandro Blanco Wednesday, the president of the Spanish Olympic Committee, reported Xinhua.

Nadal, who won his seventh French Open title in May, is the greatest Spanish tennis player ever having won 11 Grand Slams, as well as nine Masters 1000 series events and has helped Spain to win the Davis Cup four times.

He will travel to London as one of Spain's best hopes for an Olympic gold medal as he seeks to defend the title he won four years ago. (IANS)