‘She Reminds Me of Nadal’- Expectations Grow on Iga Swiatek as Novak Djokovic’s Ex-Coach Pays Stirring Ode

Iga Swiatek looked “perfect on the court” in the 2024 French Open final. The Polish player won her fourth title in the slam with a quick 6-2, 6-1 victory over Jasmine Paolini. Her grasp of clay has improved as Paolini proved to be a minor obstacle. Swiatek’s dominance showed during the match, which evoked a Rafael Nadal comparison from the former coach of Novak Djokovic.

No tennis fan is a stranger to Nadal’s absolute dominance at the French Open. With 14 titles to his name, clay specialists hope to play like him. Swiatek’s victory brings her closer to such a hold on the tournament, as per Boris Becker at least. During Eurosport’s post-match analysis, when asked about her victory, Becker said, “She looks so perfect on the court, so it’s nice to see a little bit of emotion afterward. She reminds me of Nadal.”

For Swiatek, there is no higher praise, as she idolizes the Spaniard. However, Becker added, “She’s so much better than the rest here in Paris; she wins her matches easily. She’s not really tested physically or mentally, but its good to see a little bit of nerves afterwards.” 

Rafael Nadal has an astounding win-loss record of 112-4 in the French Open. No other player has managed such a feat in any tournament in men’s singles.  Swiatek’s win in the 2024 French Open allows her to create a record in women’s singles, as she has only been defeated twice in the tournament.  

The Polish player has rightfully earned her Nadal comparison as she breaks past Serena Williams’ three French Open titles at just 22 years old. The German legend did not hesitate to say that Swiatek reminded him of Nadal. Like him, an American legend did not think twice about drawing a comparison between the two.

Iga Swiatek reminds Andy Roddick of one of the most dangerous versions of Rafael Nadal 

2008 was a year where Rafa was unrelenting. He won three Masters, the French Open without dropping a set, his first Wimbledon, and the Olympic gold. With four Masters in her bag, Roddick was reminded of the days he watched the King of the Clay demolish his opponents. “Iga Swiatek has just dominated. I mean, she’s just not losing games. It reminds me of Rafa in 2008,” he said on Served with Andy Roddick.

Out of her last 19 matches, Swiatek has been pushed to 4 games or more in 9 matches. She has been pushed to a tiebreak in only three matches and did not lose in those sets. Furthermore, Swiatek has dropped a set in three matches out of her last 19.

Roddick’s words carry truth to them, as the world number one has justified her ranking many times over. With her recent victory, she is clear of world number 2, Aryna Sabalenka, who is no threat to her for now. After Swiatek dominated the slowest court, can she do the same on grass, which is the fastest court in the sport?