Alizé Cornet participates in Paris Olympics torch relay in hometown of Nice

Alizé Cornet fell short of qualifying for a fifth Olympics before saying adieu to professional tennis last month, but the Frenchwoman still had a "magic moment" ahead of her home Games: The recently-retired 34-year-old had the opportunity to participate in the torch relay this week as it wound through her hometown of Nice.

"It was obviously a heartbreaker not to qualify for my 5th Olympics at home, but what an immense joy to carry all these sporting values so dear to my heart," the former world No. 11, who played her last career match at Roland Garros, wrote on social media.

"To rekindle this flame, a symbol of peace and unity, which should inspire us in this time when we could be divided."

Cornet announced her intentions to retire from tennis in April, and lost in the first round of singles, to Australian Open finalist Zheng Qinwen, as well as women's doubles and mixed doubles in her 20th and final appearance at Roland Garros. She retired holding the record for the most consecutive Grand Slam appearances with 69 and also in third place for overall appearances with 72.

A stalwart for the national team, Cornet was never short on national pride in her career. She competed in Beijing, London, Rio and Tokyo for tennis' Les Bleus, and played 24 ties for France in Billie Jean King Cup. She was a member of France's third Billie Jean King Cup-winning team in 2019.

While the hosts have yet to officially confirm its selections to their latest Olympic team, many countries have unveiled their rosters in recent days, including the U.S., which will be led by reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff. Newly-minted world No. 1 Jannik Sinner will play singles and doubles for Italy, while the much-anticipated doubles team of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal looks as though it's a lock for Spain.

The 2024 Olympic Games will be held from July 26 to Aug. 11 in Paris, with the tennis event taking place from July 27 to Aug. 4 on the clay courts of Roland Garros.