via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 27, 2022 Poland’s Iga Swiatek reacts during her semi final match against Danielle Collins of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 27, 2022 Poland’s Iga Swiatek reacts during her semi final match against Danielle Collins of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Iga Swiatek had a memorable stint at the Australian Open 2022. The Pole reached the semifinals in the inaugural Grand Slam of the season. However, she couldn’t proceed further as she lost to Danielle Collins of the USA in the last-four clash. Nonetheless, the former French Open champion would be proud of her display. It was her best result at the Grand Slam Down Under.
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Iga Swiatek receives message from idol Rafael Nadal after strong showing at the Australian Open
The Polish tennis star was elated and surprised at the same time after the Spanish legend texted her after her semifinal match.
She said, “It surprised me because for sure he has a busy life. And he focused on himself. I don’t know how, like, players that are that great how they, I don’t know, live, if they share something.”
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Further, on how she felt after receiving the message, she said, “It was pretty amazing to see that he actually can text somebody like me, and it shows that he’s pretty down to earth, I guess. Yeah, for me it’s really inspiring. Because even though I wasn’t really angry and sad after my match with Danielle because I know she played pretty perfect game.”
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 22, 2022. Poland’s Iga Swiatek celebrates winning her third round match against Russia’s Daria Kasatkina REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Explaining what the message was about, she said, “The day after I lost I wanted to come back on court and work harder. I think Rafa’s message had a lot to do with that. Yeah, he’s just great example for all of us, and it’s pretty cool to have, like, contact with him.”
Iga Swiatek on receiving a text from Rafael Nadal following her Australian Open semi-final exit:
"I just felt really motivated. The day after I lost I wanted to come back on court and work harder. I think Rafa's message had a lot to do with that."
📝👉🏽https://t.co/YXOV4JbEuk pic.twitter.com/Ye81SwRqs7
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) February 14, 2022
How did the opening Grand Slam of the season pan out?
The Happy Slam made headlines even before it started, albeit for all the wrong reasons. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was denied a chance to defend his Australian Open crown after the cancelation of his visa and subsequent deportation. However, the action swiftly moved on to the tennis courts as fans across the globe witnessed some thrilling clashes.
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WATCH THIS STORY: The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis
In the women’s singles, local favorite Ashleigh Barty continued her winning start to the season as she lifted her first Australian Open title. She defeated Danielle Collins in the summit clash 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) to lift her third Grand Slam title.
In the men’s singles, Rafael Nadal created history as he became the first man to lift 21 Grand Slam singles titles. He overcame the challenge of Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in the final.
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via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 31, 2022. Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the men’s singles final with trophy as Russia’s Daniil Medvedev looks on. REUTERS/Morgan Sette
Looking ahead, fans will be eagerly waiting to see what happens in the remaining three majors of the season. Who will be a surprise package this year? Let us know your views in the comments below.
