Iga Swiatek and Rafael Nadal are the last 2 French Open champions. While Nadal conquered his 13th French Open, this was the first time Iga Swiatek won the slam in France.
Swiatek on Nadal’s top spin
During a recent interview, Iga Swiatek revealed that she tried to copy Rafael Nadal’s top spin and his overall game style.
“I guess I copied my style of play from him. I like to hit the balls with a lot of top spin. My first coach also told me that it was unusual for a girl to play with top spin. He advised me to focus on it as one day it will be a great strength,” said Swiatek.
However, it is nice to know that Iga Swiatek likes Rafael Nadal, also as a person. Iga had the opportunity to spend some time with the King of Clay to get to know the man behind so much success.
“Since I now know him not only as a player but also as a person, I respect him even more as a person. He’s humble and has stayed the same guy he was before winning so many titles. When I was young I loved the way he looks and the energy he plays with.”
Swiatek is currently playing the semifinal in Adelaide where she will face Jil Teichmann for the first time in her career.
Swiatek in Adelaide, ranking, and results in 2021
Now ranked no.18, Iga has managed to achieve a 7-2 record in 2021. Swiatek is currently competing in Adelaide where she managed to beat Madison Brengle 6-3 6-4, Maddison Inglis 6-1 6-3 and Danielle Rose Collins 6-2 3-0 ret..
Rafael Nadal in 2021
Currently the world no.2, Rafael played his last match on the 17th of February when he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-6 2-6 7-6(4) 6-4 7-5 in the quarter of the Australian Open (draw).
Until now, during this year Nadal achieved a composed 4-1 win-loss record.
