In the grand theater of tennis, sometimes echoes of applause for the legends can be overwhelming for other players. But Iga Swiatek, the current WTA World No. 1, does not hold the same belief. As she stepped into the Italian Open, Swiatek came across a bizarre question regarding Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s fame and popularity in the game. However, like a true fan of the legends herself, Swiatek revealed her take on the matter.

After conquering the red clay of the Madrid Open a few days ago, Iga Swiatek is back at the Italian Open with full rhythm. She has already won two matches in Rome. However, during her latest post-match conference, Swiatek faced a strange question. “You’re the No. 1. All eyes are on Djokovic and Nadal. How do you explain it? Why is the attention of the people not on you?”

Baffled at the question at first, Iga Swiatek’s measured and insightful reply came. “I think there is some attention on me, but I totally understand why Rafa and Novak, they have such a huge fan base. It’s not like I’m jealous or something.” Further explaining, she added, “It’s Rafa’s last tournament – not last, but last tournament in Rome possibly. I get why people are focusing on watching him. And Novak, obviously he’s the G.O.A.T. as well.”

And indeed, so. Novak Djokovic, who last appeared in the Monte Carlo Masters, won his first match with a bang yesterday. Defeating Corentin Moutet with a score of 6-3, 6-1, the fans got a glimpse of Djokovic’s prowess on the clay court. However, don’t forget Rafael Nadal as well. Although he faced a second-round defeat in the tournament, as Swiatek said, it was his last match in Rome. Naturally, fans are emotional as they bid goodbye to the previous ten-time winner of the title. 

But amid all this, Swiatek indicated how comparisons of attention between different players are entirely irrelevant and concluded by saying, “I don’t understand this question, honestly.” This is especially true when it comes to Iga Swiatek, who has always acknowledged her admiration for the two legends.

Iga Swiatek’s appreciation for Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

Iga Swiatek has always been vocal about how she draws inspiration from her idol, Rafael Nadal. Once she even admitted, “I really like Rafa Nadal, I have his T-shirt with his signature on my wall. He is my idol. He’s humble and has stayed the same guy he was before winning so many titles.” Not only that, but Swiatek also showed her support for the Spaniard when he suffered from hip injuries as well. But her appreciation for Novak Djokovic has also caught the attention of fans.

When Novak Djokovic expressed his heartfelt speech after his U.S. Open victory last year, Swiatek could hardly control her emotions. She took to her X and wrote, “No… I’m not crying… I’M NOT CRYING… Ohh, who cares…” Not only that, but even Djokovic has praised Swiatek for her incredible “fighting spirit”.

Therefore, Iga Swiatek is not surprised when it comes to understanding the craze and attention that both Djokovic and Nadal receive in the tennis world. And her response in the interview further emphasizes the same.