Iga Swiatek is currently the most promising player on the tour. Winning five back-to-back WTA 1000 titles and still looking in good shape, Iga has been proving time and again why she deserves to remain in the top spot of the rankings.
At just 20-years of age, Iga has already become a role model herself for a majority of budding players. However, with all the success coming her way, the Polish player still considers Rafael Nadal to be the person who inspires her.
Yesterday, she outplayed Ons Jabeur to successfully defend her Rome crown. A title that her idol Rafael Nadal has won a record 10 times. Post the win, while conversing with Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj, Swiatek heaped praise on the Spaniard for inspiring her.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Iga Swiatek gives new reasons for considering Rafael Nadal as her idol
Rafael Nadal is widely considered as one the greatest players of all-time. In a career spanning 2 decades, Nadal has reached the heights of the sport that remain untouched by the majority of players. Having a list of accolades and records to his name, the Spaniard is undoubtedly an inspiration for the entire community. Iga is no different.
Ever since the time Swiatek joined the WTA tour, she has been vocal about why she considers Nadal as her idol. Whenever the 20-year-old is asked why she gets so much of inspiration from Nadal, she ensured to give a new reason every time. A similar sight was seen during her interview with Prakash Amritraj on Sunday.
While conversing about her ongoing unmatched success, Prakash asked Iga who inspires her. Even though he made it clear that the answer shouldn’t necessarily be a tennis player, Iga already had her answer in mind.
Listening to the question, Iga took no time to answer. Starting the answer with a hilarious line, Iga said, “I’m just going to be boring in just repeating myself but Rafa is always a good inspiration for sure.”
The Polish star continued, “Watching him this year at the Australian Open I was there in the stadium and I could see how he came back after the first two sets when Daniil was playing such good tennis. Rafa has some superpowers sometimes, I think. He’s not giving up. He’s physically and tactically always there on the court. I feel he’s the perfect role model. He’s the greatest of all time in tennis right now.”
Also read- ‘It’s a Relief’- Novak Djokovic on Italian Open 2022 Victory After a Rough Start to the Year
The next big goal for Nadal and Swiatek
Both the players have tasted massive success in the year so far. On one hand, Nadal has won the Australian Open and two other tour titles. On the other hand, Iga Swiatek has won five back-to-back WTA titles. Taking into consideration the results so far, the two are undoubtedly hot favorites for the 2022 French Open.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Iga has her form in place and is showing no signs of going down. On the other hand, Nadal’s foot has been a slight barrier to his rising graph in the year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Comparing the current status of the two, Swiatek has a higher probability of winning the women’s title. However, taking into consideration the experience and the understanding of the clay courts of Paris, one cannot rule out Nadal’s chances of winning on the men’s side.
Watch this story- Will Smith Shows How King Richard Cast Trained Like Serena and Venus Williams