Rafael Nadal's success 'didn't change him,' says Iga Swiatek after Spaniard exits French Open
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ByOli Gent
Published 28/05/2024 at 12:16 GMT
Iga Swiatek, the women's world No. 1, has spoken of how Rafael Nadal, the record 14-time champion at the French Open, has inspired her. The 22-year-old Pole has already won four Grand Slams in her nascent career, including three at Roland-Garros. Speaking after her first round victory over Leolia Jeanjean, Swiatek revealed that it was the Spaniard's fighting spirit that really impressed her.
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Iga Swiatek has spoken of how 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal has “inspired” her in her career.
The world No. 1, who has herself won three titles at Roland-Garros, beat Leolia Jeanjean 6-1 6-2 in her opening match on Monday.
That set up an enticing second-round encounter with Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1.
Nadal followed Swiatek on Philippe-Chatrier, up against the fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who he lost to 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3.
Speaking at her post-match press conference, Swiatek identified the Spaniard’s never-say-die attitude as a key component of inspiration for her.
“He [Nadal] taught me that always fighting till the end and not giving up is the best way to go,” the Pole explained.
“It just increases your chances that you might win. There's no point in working hard and giving everything to play well rather than to give up at the end.
“He managed to turn around some matches that it seemed impossible to turn around. That really inspired me. But also how he is off the court; he's really humble and really focused on the work. It seems that success didn't change him.
“I just like the person he is overall.”
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'Hopefully I'm going to be here as long as possible' - Swiatek reacts to opening win
Swiatek will face Osaka in the second round on Wednesday, and should she come through the Japanese world No. 134, she will face either the Czech Maria Bouzkova or Croatian lucky loser Jana Fett.
The Pole was keen to praise her upcoming opponent, lauding her personality and play style.
“Really impressed,” she said of Osaka.
“I think she's a great person, and her game style is pretty fun to watch as well.
"I haven't actually played against Naomi obviously on clay, so we’ll see how that's gonna go. We need to prepare tactically, for sure. But all these matches that we played on hard courts were always really intense and tough.
"I'm just glad that she came back and she’s playing more tournaments even than before the break.. happy that she’s playing well.”
You can watch every day of the 2024 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+.
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