Recently Swiatek gave an interview for TVP expressing her admiration for Nadal, her biggest inspiration on and off the court. Iga Swiatek and Rafael Nadal have been the epitome of dominance on clay. The 37-year-old Spanish legend has won 22 Grand Slam titles in his career out of which 14 are from the French Open. Similarly, the 22-year-old current world number one in women’s singles has been a force to reckon with in Roland Garros. She has 3 out of her 4 Grand Slams in French major event.

She is a big follower of Rafa’s tenacity on the court and she’s watched his idol dominate his opponents on the court while she grew up. Now, Swiatek has also become an icon of the racket sport. But can she emulate his records shortly?

Rafael Nadal has been the only inspiration for Iga Swiatek 

Whether Iga Swiatek can reach the heights of Rafael Nadal or not, only time can tell. But the 22YO has made rapid progress in her career ever since she turned pro 7 years ago. The Polish have almost equaled her idol by clinching 4 Grand Slam titles at 22 years and 10 days. Rafael Nadal did it in 22 years and 5 days. So there isn’t much gap between the two so far. Both of them won their first Grand Slam at the of 19. Iga still has a lot of years left in her career and if she manages to stay fit, who knows?

Reflecting on her idol she said, “I admit that my only inspiration for most of my career was Rafa Nadal. He is a person who has not changed despite his successes. He still remains humble, with his values, with a lot of sense of humor. Apart from what he did on the court, that’s the kind of person I’ve always seen in him, so I’m glad that when I got to know him, in a sense, I could confirm it.”

Iga Swiatek has won 6 titles this season while Rafael Nadal was found nursing a hip injury throughout the year. Nadal got injured during the AO earlier this year, and after that, he had undergone two surgeries. But now he’s ready to make his comeback in 2024, which probably is going to be his last run in professional tennis.

Rafael Nadal has already started his full-fledged training ahead of a mega-season

The 22 Grand Slam title holder has been out of action for quite a while. So to get back in shape he has flown to Kuwait to train with the French teenager, Arthur Fils at his training center. The Spaniard has already announced his comeback at the Brisbane International. 

READ MORE: Despite Excitement Surrounding Rafael Nadal’s Return, ‘Mixed Signals’ Concern Iconic Tennis Journalist -‘Seemed Kind of Grim’

The tournament is set to commence from December 31 to January 7 at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane. This event will serve as a good preparatory camp ahead of the mega event in Melbourne Park which starts on January 14. Can Rafael Nadal clinch his 23 Grand Slam before putting an end to his illustrious career?

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