Iga Swiatek reveals how she channeled her inner Rafael Nadal to get past Aryna Sabalenka in Madrid while saving 3 championship points

Swiatek said she felt better mentally in the third set after she remembered the 2022 Australian Open final clash between Nadal and Daniil Medvedev.

Iga Swiatek reveals how she channeled her inner Rafael Nadal to get past Aryna Sabalenka in Madrid while saving 3 championship points

Iga Swiatek, Rafael Nadal, Aryna Sabalenka (Images via Imago, X)

One of Rafael Nadal‘s intense matches inspired Iga Swiatek during her three-hour-and-11-minute battle against Aryna Sabalenka in the Madrid Open final. In that match inside the Manolo Santana court, Swiatek emerged victorious to lift her first Madrid Open title with a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(9-7) scoreline.

Swiatek said she felt better mentally in the third set after she remembered the 2022 Australian Open final clash between Nadal and Daniil Medvedev. Nadal was two sets down but ended up winning with a 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 scoreline, to lift his 21st Grand Slam singles title.

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That comeback and the victory inspired Swiatek as she saved three match points to beat the Belarusian, calling the match one of the most “intense and craziest” she has played. 

I remember when he played against Medvedev in Australia and something clicked. He also suffered from being tense and from stress. I'm not sure because I haven't talked to him, but I've felt that. That has given me hope. 
Iga Swiatek said in the press conference

Saturday’s match was a rematch of the 2023 Madrid Open final between Swiatek and Sabalenka. The World No.2 defeated Swiatek in last year’s final to deny her first title in the Spanish capital. 

Iga Swiatek wants Rafael Nadal to take care of his health first

Rafael Nadal, who will turn 38 next month, is at the last stage of his career, and in the near future, he may end up announcing his retirement. However, before hanging up his racket, the tennis fraternity wants to see the 22-time Grand Slam champion win an important event, especially at the Roland Garros. 

Iga Swiatek
Rafael Nadal (Image via Imago)

Iga Swiatek, however, wants Nadal to prioritize his health as he is struggling to find his form post hip flexor and abdominal injury.

I just want people to take it easy and let him do it his way. People expect him to do something spectacular, but honestly, Rafa has to take care of himself and I hope he does. 
Iga Swiatek said in a press conference

Nadal reached the fourth round of the Madrid Open but lost to Jiri Lehecka in straight sets. Before Madrid, he played at the Barcelona Open and got knocked out of the Round of 32.  

Swiatek, on the other hand, lifted her third title this season, previously winning the Qatar Open and Indian Wells Master. The Madrid Open was her 20th career title (8th on clay), making her the youngest woman to bag them since Caroline Wozniacki in 2012. 

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