Swiatek reveals the conversation with Nadal that marked her forever

Fernando Murciego | 26 May 2025 | 16.04

Iga Swiatek shows her devotion to Rafa Nadal. Source: Getty

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There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Iga Swiatek in recent weeks, focusing mainly on the 'crisis' that has led her to reach Roland Garros 2025 without having reached a final since her last time in Paris. Is a disaster expected from the Polish player in these weeks? Surely someone already has a tweet ready, but for now, the four-time champion swiftly dealt with the first-round commitment against Sramkova, and then met with journalists to recount the emotion she felt yesterday at the tribute to Rafa Nadal.

Moved by yesterday's tribute

“I wouldn't say I really cried, but I'm sure a few tears escaped me. I think there were two moments during the ceremony when I was truly moved, but I tried to hold back so as not to look too emotional. The truth is that it was an incredible tribute, I'm very happy that Roland Garros did this for Rafa. I'm immensely glad that the tennis world had the opportunity to come together and thank him in this way for everything he has done. We should all be grateful, it's very strange to see him now in this way after so many years of watching him on the court, fighting, giving his all. He's a legend, so I'm glad I was there.”

Raducanu in the second round

“Every player has their own path and changes, but it's clear she's a great player, in addition to having a powerful forehand. She knows how to use spins very well; we've played a couple of times, so we know each other well. I'll have to bring a lot of intensity, focus a lot on myself. She's a US Open champion, so we know she can play great tennis. I'll be ready for the challenge; it's true we played recently in Melbourne, but those are completely different surfaces. I'll have to prepare tactically well, as I always do when playing a match on clay.”

No women on the night shift

“Every year you ask me about this topic, but my stance hasn't changed. I like playing during the day, so I'm glad they gave me this shift and have finished, now I'll be able to rest more. On the other hand, I don't think people are that concerned about comparing men's and women's shifts, these things can be found continuously throughout the calendar, you could talk about it all the time, but my answers wouldn't be different. I don't really care about this issue.”

Is it easier to win as a teenager?

“Winning a Grand Slam is always challenging for all players, but perhaps for a teenager, it's slightly easier. At that age, it's normal to fly under the radar, no one is watching you, you don't have a target on your back, so expectations are low, making it easier to win a Grand Slam when you're at these ages. At least easier than someone like Madison (Keys), for example, who has been on the circuit for so many years. By that point, everyone knows your game, maybe you've been through many situations where you achieved your goal, and that can haunt you. Yes, definitely, winning as a teenager is easier.”

Nadal and his values

“Everything related to Rafa inspires me, not only what he's done on the court, where we've all seen him never give up and win a thousand matches, but we've also seen him overcome very adverse moments, or days when his game wasn't working only to bounce back and win. Even coming back from an injury, his attitude was always phenomenal. Off the court as well, his interactions with people are exquisite; yesterday, it was incredible to see him cry when the Roland Garros staff entered, you can tell how important they were to him. He's a very humble person, I appreciate him a lot; he's a role model for everyone, especially now when people are just looking for drama and being everywhere. He just does his job, focuses on that, that's why he's adored.”

Anecdote where I understood what Rafa is like

“In 2021, when he lost to Novak in the semifinals and we all stayed in the same hotel, I remember being devastated that he lost that day until I ran into him the next day, sitting, having breakfast. I went to him and asked, ‘How do you feel?’. I saw him calm; he replied, ‘It's just a tennis match; I'll have many more opportunities’. At that moment, I thought, ‘What? Why am I crying if he's not crying?’ (laughs).

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Swiatek revela la conversación con Nadal que le marcó para siempre