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PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 29: Winners of the 2020 French Open seven months ago, Rafael Nadal of Spain and Iga Swiatek of Poland practice together for 20 minutes on Court 5 ahead of the French Open 2021, Grand Slam tennis tournament at Roland-Garros stadium on May 29, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 29: Winners of the 2020 French Open seven months ago, Rafael Nadal of Spain and Iga Swiatek of Poland practice together for 20 minutes on Court 5 ahead of the French Open 2021, Grand Slam tennis tournament at Roland-Garros stadium on May 29, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
Iga Swiatek is living her dream this season. She’s on an incredible winning streak, with an 11 match unbeaten run. In the process, she has clinched back-to-back titles in Doha and Indian Wells. Earlier today, the Polish defeated Maria Sakkari in straight sets 6-4, 6-1 to lift her maiden Indian Wells Masters title. Further, the win has enabled her to reach the Number 2 spot on the WTA ranking chart.
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It was a thoroughly dominating performance by Swiatek who is in the form of her life. She was ruthless in her display as she lifted her second title of the season. After the match, Iga Swiatek reflected upon her win over Sakkari. Additionally, she opened up on Rafael Nadal’s influence in her career.
Iga Swiatek on Rafael Nadal
The two players greeted each other as Swiatek left the court after her match and Nadal entered the court to play against Taylor Fritz. Speaking on how their friendship has evolved over the years, Swiatek said, “I don’t know if it’s a friendship, honestly being able to talk to him is still an amazing experience for me. It is a dream come true, for sure. He’s a huge inspiration, especially his Australian Open final that I watched from the stands, he was unbelievable.”
via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 29: Winners of the 2020 French Open seven months ago, Rafael Nadal of Spain and Iga Swiatek of Poland practice together for 20 minutes on Court 5 – here with Carlos Moya, coach of Rafael Nadal (center) – ahead of the French Open 2021, Grand Slam tennis tournament at Roland-Garros stadium on May 29, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
Further, she added, “He is a guy who never gives up. I would want to have the same amount of belief in myself, and really keep pushing no matter what. So I think he is a role model for many people, you know. But for me, I’m just his huge fan.”
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Champion @iga_swiatek stops by the desk with @Chanda_Rubin & @Steve_Weissman. 🎉@BNPPARIBASOPEN l #IndianWells pic.twitter.com/UG7zd22WZO
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 21, 2022
While Swiatek won the summit clash, Rafael Nadal fell short in the final hurdle as Taylor Fritz lifted the Indian Wells 2022 title. The American tennis star was brilliant from start to finish as he won the biggest title of his career.
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Swiatek would be gearing up for the Miami Open starting later this week. On the other hand, Nadal has pulled out of the tournament to rest and regroup ahead of the upcoming clay-court season.
