Growing up, Iga Swiatek found a source of inspiration and admiration in Garbiñe Muguruza, a prominent figure in the tennis world. Even though Swiatek is now the world number one, she still has a soft spot in her heart for the seasoned 30-year-old player. The 22-year-old recently revealed how much she still admires Muguruza, recalling how she used to look up to her along with other tennis greats like Rafael Nadal.

This appreciation highlights Muguruza’s influence on the next generation of tennis players as well as the lasting legacy and influence of athletes such as her in the sport.

Iga Swiatek reveals her admiration for Garbiñe Muguruza

Recently, the Polish tennis player revealed what she liked most about the two-time Grand Slam champion, who recently announced her retirement. She stated, “Actually, when I was younger I watched her achievements thinking that maybe she was going to be my favorite WTA player because I always liked Rafa. Actually I never had anyone in the WTA to follow, so Garbiñe was one of them for a while until I started playing on the circuit, since it was quite rare to be a crazy fan of anyone. She is a great player and a good person.”

Moreover, in the same conversation, she also talked about how previously she had her achievements as her favorite WTA tennis player. On the other hand, she even emphasized her admiration for the 37-year-old Spaniard, as she picked her best two from both the WTA and ATP.

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Further, she added, “I wasn’t surprised that he retired because he hadn’t been playing for a long time, but I always liked it. He won two Slams, played all these Grand Slam finals and everything. So I thought I could maintain his level, which is not easy.”

While she had no one to follow in the WTA, Muguruza was one of those players who inspired to get on the tennis field. Subsequently, last year, the WTA world number one attended the Rafa Nadal Academy’s graduation ceremony, where she delivered a keynote speech and talked about the influence the Spaniard had on her.

When Swiatek talked highly about Nadal

The pole expressed her deep appreciation for Rafael Nadal at an event last year, narrating how her admiration for the tennis legend developed gradually over time. She said that she was highly motivated by Nadal’s matches, especially the ones in which he overcame hardship and emerged victorious.

She stated, “These are the matches that inspired me. So I hope you will be tenacious.” Along with that, the four-time Grand Slam champion stressed in her reflection on Nadal’s persistence the value of tenacity and resilience in both life and tennis, emphasizing how his example has influenced her own conception of tenacity and drive.

Nevertheless,  what are your thoughts on Swiatek’s open administration for Muguruza? Do let us know in the comment section.