‘It was a surreal experience!’ Iga Swiatek recalls ‘dream’ practice session with Rafael Nadal


‘It was a surreal experience!’ Iga Swiatek recalls ‘dream’ practice session with Rafael Nadal

Iga Swiatek burst onto the big stage in an extraordinary fashion, after she clinched the French Open 2020 title. From then on, Swiatek has not quite won another major, yet she has made it a habit to reach the latter rounds. She also broke into the top 10 of the WTA Rankings, and is seeded seventh at Australian Open 2022.

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In the past, Iga Swiatek has stated on several occasions that she is deeply inspired by Rafael Nadal. In a latest interview with BBC, the Pole touched upon her dream practice session with idol, Rafael Nadal. Swiatek also revealed the traits which make the Spaniard not only a champion on court, but also a great person in general.

Iga Swiatek got a chance to hit with Rafael Nadal at French Open last year, as the duo entered the tournament as defending champions of their respective events. Swiatek revealed that the 35-year-old is really humble, and is not carried away by his success. Moreover, she stated that she aspires to become a great champion like Rafael Nadal in the future.

“You may have heard I’m a big fan of Rafael Nadal and when I met him for the first time it was pretty cool to see he is down to earth,” said Swiatek.

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He was really humble and it doesn’t seem like the success has changed him. If I’m going to win more Grand Slam titles and have more success in my career then I hope I will be like Rafa,” she added.

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Rafael Nadal has the best forehand in business: Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek revealed that her first practice session with Rafael Nadal felt like a surreal experience, and she could not hide her emotions. Moreover, she believes that the Spaniard has the best forehand in the business, although he does not agree to this fact.

At Roland Garros last year we hit together on court. When we met it felt surreal. I was super excited and I could not stop smiling for about five minutes. I wanted to see how Rafa was in real life and he was making fun of his forehand which is crazy because he has the best forehand ever in my opinion,” the French Open 2020 champion added.

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Iga Swiatek also said that she had to push herself in order to get Nadal’s signature whilst playing her first major. And now just after a year or so, she got an incredible opportunity to practice alongside Rafael Nadal. Swiatek believes that this moment just shows as to how much progress she has made as a player.

“I remember at my first Grand Slam I had to push myself to get his autograph because I was nervous. So hitting with him a few years later was the kind of moment where you can see how much progress you have made and what you have been through,” she continued.

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