Iga Swiatek Makes Interesting Rafael Nadal Mention While Discussing the Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Tennis

Iga Swiatek is hoping to join Rafael Nadal as the players to achieve the Career Grand Slam.

Iga Swiatek Makes Interesting Rafael Nadal Mention While Discussing the Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Tennis

Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek (Image via X/Rafael Nadal, The Tennis Letter)

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If the fans have been watching Iga Swiatek dominate the courts lately, they know her game isn’t just about power—it’s about precision, patience, and a whole lot of spin. Recently, the world No. 2 opened up about why she plays the way she does, sparking a fascinating conversation about the stylistic divide between men’s and women’s tennis.

While competing at the Australian Open, Swiatek didn’t hold back on her thoughts regarding the current state of the game. Her take? She finds that the men’s style—characterized by longer rallies and tactical buildup—just “makes more sense” to her than the aggressive, often abrupt nature of women’s matches. Swiatek said in her Australian Open press conference:

I always felt that since I’m playing like that I understand their game a bit better. I feel like tennis makes more sense when players build the rally more. This is what’s difference with men’s tennis than women’s tennis. Guys play longer rallies and sometimes in women’s tennis it’s just one shot and that’s it. It’s just how I’ve been raised. Also most of the tennis I watched was Rafa. So I also enjoy watching it as well.

Tennis fans love a good debate about styles, and Swiatek just gave the fans plenty of fuel. During her press conferences in Melbourne, she highlighted a distinct contrast she feels when watching or playing against different opponents.

The debate about the difference in styles between men’s and women’s tennis isn’t new. It went peak during the controversial Battle of the Sexes match recently between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios.

The Rafael Nadal effect

To understand Iga Swiatek’s philosophy, the fans have to look at her idol: Rafael Nadal. It’s no secret that Iga grew up watching Rafa.

Rafael Nadal Washington Open 2021
Rafael Nadal (image via X/Australian Open)

The fans can see his DNA in her forehand—that heavy, whipping topspin that kicks up off the court and forces opponents onto their back foot. That isn’t an accident. She learned early on that spin equals control, and control allows the player to dictate the rally.

Most of the WTA tour hits flatter and harder. It’s a style that relies on timing and raw power. Swiatek, conversely, plays with a margin for error that allows her to stay in points longer than almost anyone else.

When she talks about preferring the “men’s style,” she’s really talking about this Nadal-esque approach: wearing opponents down physically and mentally rather than just blasting them off the court in two shots.

What comes next at the Australian Open?

As the tournament rolls on, all eyes are going to be on Iga Swiatek’s racquet. The Australian courts can be fast, which traditionally favors the “one-shot” hitters she critiqued. However, her ability to neutralize that power with movement and spin is her superpower.

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek (Image via X/United Cup)

Regardless of the style she chooses, she hopes to achieve the Career Grand Slam this weekend, which her idol, Nadal, has already accomplished. She needs three more wins, with the biggest test coming against Elena Rybakina.

Analysts and fans are going to be watching closely. Can she force these aggressive hitters into the long rallies she loves? Or will the “hit hard and fast” tactic disrupt her rhythm? She lost in the semifinals last year to Madison Keys despite having a match point.

Also read: Jannik Sinner Promises Not to Use Banned Item Told to Remove by Umpire During Australian Open