Record 21-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal called Iga Swiatek spontaneous and natural as he thinks it’s good to have a player like Swiatek on the WTA Tour.
Swiatek, 20, is having a stunning 2022 season as she has lost only three matches this year and she has won her last 24 matches.
Swiatek’s run started in Doha and she also went all the way in Indian Wells, Miami, and Stuttgart.
“She’s doing amazing things. Playing amazing and winning every single event she played, I think last 4 in a row. Winning Indian Wells and Miami in a row, something difficult. Just happy for her. She’s very spontaneous and natural. Is good to have good people like her having success,” Nadal said.
Swiatek idolizes Nadal
Swiatek often speaks about her love for Nadal.
This year, Swiatek several times talked about how she grew up idolizing Nadal and credited the Spaniard for inspiring her tennis journey.
At the Australian Open, Swiatek was crushed by Danielle Collins in the semifinal.
Swiatek stayed in Melbourne after losing in the semifinal as she wanted to watch Nadal in the final.
The cameras caight Swiatek losing it in the stands during Nadal’s epic five-set comeback in the Australian Open final versus Daniil Medvedev.
When asked about why she admires Nadal so much, Swiatek said it’s because he has always remained simple and humble.
“At first I looked mostly at my older sister, Agata. I would sneak into tennis lessons. I started playing for my father and for her. When I grew up a bit, Rafael Nadal became my great reference. I admire his work ethic and how success hasn’t changed him, he’s still a very nice and humble guy,” Swiatek said.
Both Nadal and Swatek are the top favorites for the French Open title.
It remains to be seen if Swiatek can win her second French Open title this year.