‘Let Her Play With Calm’ – Rafael Nadal Expects the Media to Subdue the Hype Surrounding Iga Swiatek Ahead of French Open 2022

The current world no.1 in WTA rankings, Iga Swiatek, is undoubtedly the top favorite to win this year’s French Open. Due to her performances over the last couple of months, many pundits already declared her the champion. On the men’s side, this time the 13-time champion here, Rafael Nadal, is not the clear favorite, probably for the first time in his career. However, he is still looking to give his all despite his recent foot injury. Meanwhile, the Spaniard recently talked about Swiatek in his press conference and talked about seeing her matches. 

Rafael Nadal talks about letting Iga Swiatek play with calmness

In that interview, Nadal praised Iga massively and talked about her incredible run in the recent past. “She’s winning very easy, and that’s so special and very difficult now. I saw her play couple of matches and seems like today she’s over the rest. That’s what the result says because when somebody like her is winning the tournaments and is winning with this results I mean is something special, no. Happy for her, she’s fresh, she’s natural and she’s young,” Nadal said about Iga. 

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“I mean it was a big surprise probably the first time that, a couple of years ago, when she won here. But the way that she’s playing this year looks unstoppable, but let’s let her play with calm and without an extra pressure because probably for her after the last results will be an important one here,” the Spaniard further said about letting Iga play with calmness. 

It is worth noting that Nadal and Iga interacted with each other many times. Recently at the French Open, the Spaniard surprised Iga during a practice session. In the past, Iga talked about the 21-time Grand Slam champion many times and how she idolizes Nadal. 

Who will win the French Open 2022?

In women’s tennis, Iga Swiatek is the clear favorite, without a question. Apart from her, Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur could be the dark horse in this tournament. Last year’s champion, Barbora Krejcikova, will also be in the mix. 

Although Rafael Nadal is not the top favorite this year, he will be one of the favorites for sure. Apart from him, the current world no.1 and last year’s champion Novak Djokovic will start his campaign again as the favorite to win the whole thing. Meanwhile, this year’s Madrid Open champion, Carlos Alcaraz will be the dark horse of this tournament, according to many experts. 

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