How does it feel to bid a final farewell to your childhood hero? For Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek, the answer is one of “mixed feelings“—but with a heartfelt twist. As an ardent admirer of the Spanish legend, Swiatek grew up shaping her love and passion for tennis by idealizing Rafael Nadal. Now, as the Spaniard approaches the final chapter of his illustrious career, it marks an intensely emotional moment for her. Swiatek has poured her heart out. Her sentiments reflect not just a sense of loss but a genuine hope for his happiness and fulfillment in life after tennis. Through her words, the tennis fraternity is reminded of the profound impact Rafa has had on his fraternity and the sport itself.

Nadal is retiring at the Davis Cup Final. The 38-year-old tennis legend, who has been a fixture on the tour for over two decades, is the second member of’ the Big Three to step away from the sport. Reflecting on his decision, Nadal said after yesterday’s practice session, “It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. I think it is the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.”

Although the exact timing of Nadal’s final match remains undecided—given that the Davis Cup is a team event starting with the “Final 8” at the quarterfinal stage—his retirement has cast a shadow of sadness over the tennis fraternity, including former WTA number one Iga Swiatek.

In a press conference, Swiatek expressed her deep connection to Nadal’s career, saying, “He was the only player I watched, so I don’t know if I’m going to watch tennis at all now.” Representing Poland at the BJK Cup in Malaga, where the Davis Cup is also being held, Swiatek revealed she had a brief encounter with her idol. “We actually met, I don’t know, like, five minutes before my match, so I wasn’t really in my talking mode (smiling). But it’s always nice to see Rafa. I’ll watch his matches online because, honestly, I have mixed feelings. I’m happy he can start a new chapter and have a great finish here at the Davis Cup, in Spain, a tournament he loves. But on the other hand, I’ll really miss watching him on court. He was my only inspiration in tennis, and now, I don’t know. It’s a huge loss for me.”

Swiatek’s words reflected the emotional weight of Nadal’s departure. For her, his retirement feels like the end of an era, as she grew up watching his legendary victories at Roland Garros. In a heartfelt social media tribute, Swiatek shared her gratitude: “You were and still are the biggest inspiration I ever had in tennis and the reason I sometimes got extra motivated and kept pushing myself. You’re the one who always stayed honest and true to yourself. Thank you for being a really good person.” She concluded the post by wishing Nadal a fulfilling life beyond tennis with his loved ones.

Her tribute encapsulated her admiration and bittersweet acceptance of this new chapter for her idol. While the Mallorcan legend prepares to leave the sport he’s dominated, Swiatek’s words are a testament to Nadal’s enduring legacy that he leaves behind—not just as a tennis player, but also as an human being.

Iga Swiatek said Rafael Nadal’s happiness is “the most important thing”

Nadal concluded his Madrid Open journey with an emotional farewell in the Round of 16 after being defeated by Jiri Lehecka this year. As he left the court, the entire stadium rose to its feet, offering him a heartfelt standing ovation, many with tears in their eyes. Reflecting on the moment, Swiatek shared her bittersweet emotions about Nadal’s retirement. “Mixed emotions because, obviously, I’m still pretty young, so it’s hard for me to understand his exact situation. I haven’t been in the place where I’m playing my last tournaments. But I watched the whole ceremony in Madrid and I cried, obviously. He seems happy, though, and that’s the most important thing.”

The Polish star further praised Nadal’s perspective, saying, “I think his approach is very, very smart. It’s a great example of an athlete who is satisfied with what he achieved and is okay with starting another chapter in his life. It seems like he’s doing everything on his terms, and I think it’s great. There’s a lot of fuss around it, but it’s his life, and he’s handling it the way he wants.”

Iga Swiatek’s admiration for Rafael Nadal highlights the profound relationships and inspirations cultivated through the sport. For her, Nadal is not just her idol but a guide whose career path she looks to emulate. Such a connection underscores how leading by example can inspire others to reach their dreams, showcasing the impact of role models in sports.