“I think it’s too early,” Iga Swiatek claims its too early to call her ‘Queen of clay’ as she has ‘many things left to prove’

Swiatek said it's too early but she wants to emulate Nadal's success on her favorite surface.

“I think it’s too early,” Iga Swiatek claims its too early to call her ‘Queen of clay’ as she has ‘many things left to prove’

Iga Swiatek (Image via Imago)

Has the tennis fraternity finally found the ‘Queen of Clay’? The title is bestowed upon Iga Swiatek who, however, says she has to achieve more to be called that. 

Swiatek, as expected, won easily in her first-round match at the ongoing Roland Garros with a 6-1, 6-2 scoreline over Frenchwoman Leolia Jeanjean. After the match, when she was asked about the comparison with her idol and ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal, Swiatek said it’s too early but she wants to emulate his success on her favorite surface. The Pole also said she wants to be a ‘good person’ like Nadal. 

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I think it’s too early. For sure I’m proud of my achievements. It’s always been my favorite surface. It’s where tennis gives me the most pleasure. For sure I’ll be watching Rafa’s match. Comparing me to him, I don’t think I’m on that level yet. I still have many things to prove. He’s a great person and athlete.
Iga Swiatek said after the match 

The 22-year-old Pole was in attendance during Nadal’s first-round match against Germany’s Alexander Zverev on Philippe-Chatrier court. In that match, the World No.4 became just one of the three players to beat Nadal in Paris with scores of 6-3, 7-6(7-5), 6-3. 

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Chris Evert thinks Iga Swiatek can surpass her 

In women’s tennis, Chris Evert, who bid adieu to the sport after lifting 18 Grand Slam titles, also stands at the top with seven French Open crowns but the tennis great backed Iga Swiatek to surpass her. Swiatek, 22, has already lifted three titles and is aiming for her fourth one this season. 

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek (Image via Imago)
Iga is a player on a mission. She’s more focused. She doesn’t get upset at all when she’s losing. She just has all the ingredients to be a champion. She really does.
Chris Evert told the Associated Press 

En route to the French Open, Swiatek has pulled off a rare feat by winning a clay double. She won in Madrid and Rome, becoming the second woman after Serena Williams achieved the feat in 2013. The former World No.1 also lifted the Roland Garros back then, and Swiatek has the chance to join the tennis legend in the list.

The four-time Grand Slam champion will face Naomi Osaka (who is also a four-time champion) in the second round on May 29th. It will be their second encounter, having previously met at Toronto and Miami Open.

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