Rio de Janeiro, Aug 7 (IANS): Spanish ace Rafael Nadal is a fan favourite wherever he goes on the world tennis circuit. And it seems he is just as highly admired by his Olympic peers.

Golfer Martin Kaymer, a two-time major tournament winner, revealed that Nadal has been a magnet for other athletes at the Olympic Village in Rio, reports Xinhua.

"I saw him yesterday but he could barely eat, there were so many people wanting to talk to him and take pictures," Kaymer was quoted as saying by the Olympic News Service on Saturday.

"He is very inspiring, the way he is as a person. He is very dedicated. I would love to see him for a few minutes and talk sports," the German added.

The 2010 US PGA and 2014 US Open champion is among the favourites in the men's golf competition, which starts on August 11.

Nadal, Spain's flag bearer at the Olympic opening ceremony on Friday, will be playing in Rio for the first time in more than two months after recovering from a wrist injury.

The 30-year-old will begin his singles campaign on Sunday against Argentina's Federico Delbonis.

He will also compete in the doubles alongside Marc Lopez and mixed doubles with Garbine Muguruza.