Following her victory over Yulia Putintseva at the Italian Open, tennis sensation Iga Swiatek found herself fielding an unexpected inquiry about the attention garnered by tennis giants Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in Rome.
During the post-match media session, Swiatek was taken aback when a journalist posed an unusual question, suggesting that the focus of spectators seemed to be elsewhere rather than on her, the world No. 1.
“Well I don’t know if that was a punch or not. I think there is some attention on me, but I totally understand why Rafa and Novak, they have such a huge fan base. It’s not like I’m jealous or something,” Swiatek responded, displaying her poise and humility in the face of the query.
Acknowledging the magnitude of Djokovic and Nadal’s influence in the tennis world, Swiatek expressed her understanding of why the attention often gravitates towards these legendary figures, especially considering Nadal’s potential farewell from the Rome tournament.
“Well it’s Rafa’s last tournament, not last, but last tournament in Rome possibly. I get why people are focusing on watching him. Novak, obviously he’s the GOAT as well. I don’t understand the question honestly,” Swiatek remarked, gracefully navigating the spotlight that often shines brightest on established champions.
Undeterred by the peculiar line of questioning, Swiatek remained focused on her own journey, extending her unbeaten streak to eight matches with her victory in Rome. As she sets her sights on further success, including the prospect of emulating Serena Williams and Dinara Safina by winning both the Madrid and Rome events in the same year, Swiatek maintains a steadfast commitment to taking each match in stride.
“Winning the next match is on my radar. As usual, taking everything step by step is the best way to go. There’s still a long way. Yeah, I need to focus on what I need to focus on,” Swiatek emphasized, demonstrating her dedication to the process and her reluctance to get ahead of herself amidst the competitive landscape of professional tennis.
With her next challenge against former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber looming, Swiatek remains undaunted, poised to continue her ascent in the sport and carve out her own place in tennis history, regardless of where the spotlight may shine.
Swiatek in Rome, ranking, and results in 2024
Ranked no.1, Swiatek has achieved a compiled 34-4 record in 2024. Iga is playing in Rome where she ousted the world no.77 Bernarda Pera 6-0 6-2 and the world no.41 Yulia Putintseva 6-3 6-4.
Iga Swiatek will play the world no.331 Angelique Kerber in the 4th round on Monday at 3:00 pm on CENTER COURT. Their actual head to head record is 2-0 for Swiatek.
Swiatek has won 4 titles in 2024 in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells and Madrid.
Swiatek won 21 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts and 8 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Now the world no.305, Rafael played his last match on the 11th of May when he capitulated to world no.9 Hubert Hurkacz 6-1 6-3 in the 2nd round in Rome (draw).
Currently, during this season the Spaniard achieved a compiled 7-4 win-loss record.
Nadal has scheduled to compete next at the French Open (French Open). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 26th of May.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
WWWWLWWLWL Now the world no.1, Novak played his last match on the 12th of May when he surrendered to world no.32 Alejandro Tabilo 6-2 6-3 in the 3rd round in Rome (draw).
Until now, during this year Novak has a 12-5 record. Novak Djokovic’s most significant result of the current year was reaching the semifinal at the Australian Open and Monte Carlo.
Iga Swiatek, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic |
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