“He Was Not Playing His 100%”: Iga Swiatek on Training With Rafael Nadal

Second seed Iga Swiatek is through to the third round in her debut Indian Wells tournament. She defeated Croatian Petra Martic in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 in 71 minutes. Following the match, the 20-year-old Pole reflected on practicing with Rafael Nadal earlier this year. Iga also revealed that she would love to practice with Andy Murray in the desert.

At the French Open 2021, both Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek lost their title defense campaign. However, before the start of that tournament, the defending champions took to the practice courts together. Notably, it was a birthday present for Swiatek from her psychologist.

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Iga Swiatek on hitting with Rafael Nadal at French Open 2021

It is common knowledge that Rafael Nadal is Iga Swiatek‘s childhood idol. Earlier, on the ATP Cross Court show, she also explained that her admiration for him is not only about the game.

However, specifically about the training, the Pole admitted that Rafa did not play as himself. But Swiatek also felt that his topspin was as good as he hits during a live match.

“Tennis-wise, I don’t think he was playing 100%,” Swiatek laughed nervously. “First of all, I was so excited because that was my birthday present from my psychologist. I was not expecting that at all.”

Interestingly, both Rafa and Iga won the Italian Open this year. Besides, the 20-year-old expressed how she felt after meeting her idol, the 20-time Grand Slam champion. 

“I was not sure if I would talk to him normally or I would stutter,” she continued. “So, I learned that he is a normal guy, and that’s the best part of it because it feels like the success did not change him.”

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Swiatek on practicing with Andy Murray at Indian Wells 2021

Since Nadal is not playing Indian Wells this year, Steve Weissman from Tennis Channel asked Swiatek who she wanted to practice with from the main draw. And she took the name of three-time Grand Slam champion, Andy Murray. 

“That’s a tough one. I would say, I would love to play with Andy Murray. We had a little chat on Twitter, so maybe it’s possible right now to finally play. He also seems like such a nice guy; a good sense of humor,” Swiatek explained.

Do you think Swiatek and Murray will find the right time to become each other’s hitting partners? Only time will tell us that.

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