World No. 1 Iga Swiatek says Rafael Nadal has inspired her in “every aspect” as she is amazed by the Spaniard’s personality. Nadal, a record 21-time Grand Slam champion, is one of the greatest players in tennis history but the success never changed him.
Nadal has always been known as a very kind, nice and humble person. Swiatek, who is the new face of the women’s game and someone who has a chance to become an all-time great, is often described by fellow WTA players as very nice and humble.
“Oh my God, he has basically inspired me in every aspect, both on court and off court. He’s so humble and down to earth. He’s the kind of guy who is always saying ‘Hi’ and it’s amazing because it seems like the success didn’t change him and he’s still the same great person,” Swiatek said of Nadal, per Sportskeeda.
Queen Iga is inspired by both on and off court behaviour of Rafael Nadal 😍
Is she going to continue Rafael Nadal’s legacy? 💪#IgaSwiatek #RafaelNadal #RolandGarros #FrenchOpen pic.twitter.com/gPetB4YqFm — Sportskeeda Tennis (@SK__Tennis) June 3, 2022
Swiatek on whethr Nadal influenced her game
Nadal has definitely inspired Swiatek in many ways but the Pole underlined there were things in which she simply couldn’t copy the Spaniard.
“Well, I was throwing my racket when I was a kid. Unfortunately Rafa didn’t have as big influence, yeah, I can stop that. But I stopped when I was like 15, when I could actually reflect more and not play just with my emotions, you know,” Swiatek explained.
“Well, for sure, Rafa, he’s a huge inspiration, but it’s not like I was writing in a notebook exactly how he’s playing and then trying to do the same, because, well, first of all, he’s a man. It’s pretty hard for us girls to play like men, because they have more power, for sure.
But, you know, I always wanted to play topspin, so I think he influenced me in that way.” When Nadal was asked about Swiatek’s success in 2022, he said he is happy for the Pole and that she deserves it.
