‘That Gesture Really Gave Me Wings’ – Iga Swiatek Reveals How Idol Rafael Nadal Motivated Her After Australian Open Semis Loss

Poland’s no.1 tennis player Iga Swiatek produced her best-ever Australian Open run by reaching the semis, where she was defeated by American Danielle Collins in straight sets. Swiatek couldn’t handle the pace from Collins’ racquet and ended up losing points on both return and service games.

After a thrashing defeat to the American, Swiatek received a message from her idol Rafael Nadal. It’s a known fact that the Polish star idolizes Rafa and even mentioned the same on numerous occasions.

Rafael Nadal sent a message to Iga Swiatek after the latter’s semi-final defeat at Australian Open

In an interview to Polish website Sport.pl, Swiatek said, “Rafa wrote me a message after losing my semifinal against Collins, that was one of the things that kept me from feeling bad after that match. That gesture really gave me wings.”

Even though Swiatek didn’t reveal the exact message Nadal sent her, it can be understood from her comment that they were positive and motivating for the youngster. Iga also stayed in Melbourne to watch Nadal’s final against Daniil Medvedev.

After Nadal bounced back to clinch victory from two sets and a break down, Swiatek posted a tweet about her reaction during the contest.

Coming to Swiatek’s schedule, she is planning to feature in Dubai Duty Free Championships this month alongside top-notch WTA stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Garbine Muguruza, Paula Badosa, and Maria Sakkari.

Looking at Nadal, he landed home yesterday and will now be in recovery mode. Initially, the Spaniard was supposed to feature in an ATP 500 event at Acapulco. After the gruesome fortnight in Melbourne, there are high doubts over Nadal’s immediate participation in the hard-court event.

However, the Spaniard expressed his desire to play the Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells. The Californian tournament took place in October last year owing to the pandemic and is back to its normal schedule this season. Being a three time champion, the Spaniard looks to capitalize his momentum and gain ranking points ahead of the European clay-court summer.

Also read: ‘You Book the Practice Court? Or Is It Me’ – Rafael Nadal’s Fun Banter With Roger Federer After Laver Cup Announcement