At just 23, Iga Swiatek has already claimed four Grand Slam titles. She’s matched the legendary Rafael Nadal’s record at her age, and in fact she credits Nadal for pushing her beyond limits: “The reason why sometimes I got extra motivated, I kept pushing myself,” she said with conviction. Both shine brightest on clay—Nadal as the undisputed “King of Clay,” and Swiatek crowned the “Queen of Clay” after four French Open triumphs (2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024). As she steps onto his turf, ahead of his tribute ceremony, the question is—how does Swiatek feel?

On May 2d, Swiatek will kick off her first round at Roland Garros. Although there’s nothing predictable about sports, it’s safe to say she has little to worry about, considering her prowess on clay. Even beyond her titles, her record is stellar. She holds a 35-2 win-loss record at Roland Garros alone, and an astounding 95% win rate. Her fierce baseline play, nimble footwork, and powerful topspin forehand make her a formidable force on the slow clay courts. Still, despite all she’s accomplished, it’s the prospect of attending Nadal’s tribute during the tournament that has left her emotional.

At the pre-tournament press conference, Iga Swiatek said, “I really want to watch it. I’ll see what the schedule looks like for Monday. If I’m gonna play on Monday and everything. I need to be aware that for sure I’m gonna cry… so we need to play it wisely. I would love to be there. We should all kind of get together and celebrate Rafa and what he did for our sport. What kind of inspiration he was and still is. It means a lot to me. So I would love to be there. We will see about the schedule.” Naturally, she’s got a lot at stake!

The ceremony for Rafa will be on the opening day of Roland Garros. It will take place on Court Philippe-Chatrier after the day’s matches on Sunday, May 25. At the time, Swiatek will have a rest day, but will play her second round the next day, Monday. Staying focused is crucial; for a Grand Slam, that goes without saying.

But Iga Swiatek has been battling herself too. On May 6, at the Italian Open, she opened up about this season’s struggles. She pointed to her perfectionism as a major challenge. She hasn’t reached a final this year and is currently ranked No. 5. She admitted, “This year I feel like I am struggling a bit more with my perfectionism.” She called it a “love-hate” relationship that sometimes weighs her down on court.

Still, at Roland Garros, she remains dominant. Her idol Nadal had eerily similar numbers in his first six appearances—an incredible 38-1 record with five titles. Rafa won his first in 2005, two days after his 19th birthday, and his fourth just after 22. Swiatek also won her first at 19, in 2020. Sure, no one expects her to match Nadal’s record 14 French Open crowns anytime soon. But this early comparison shows just how extraordinary her run has been.

As she prepares to return to Court Philippe Chatrier, where the French Tennis Federation will hold Nadal’s tribute, Iga Swiatek may find fresh inspiration. Whether it’s the banners celebrating her own titles or memories of running through a 128-player draw without a single stumble—times four—there’s plenty fueling her fire. After all, Nadal inspired her in more ways than just pursuing tennis!

Iga Swiatek reveals how Rafa influenced her playing style

Growing up in Warsaw, Iga Swiatek was mesmerized watching Rafael Nadal on TV, captivated by his style and that incredible spinning forehand. But in 2016, when she saw him live for the first time at Roland Garros, practicing at the Jean-Bouin courts, everything changed.

“I remember he looked much bigger than on TV live,” she said in Rome. “I just watched him practice. I kind of wanted to take something from it.” That year, Swiatek played her first junior Grand Slam, reaching quarterfinals in singles and doubles, while Rafa withdrew early with a wrist injury. “I was pretty sad that I had no one to cheer for,” she admitted, but it sparked something big.

Though 15 years apart, Rafa Nadal and Iga Swiatek share striking parallels. Both celebrate birthdays during Roland Garros, and clay is their favorite surface. With few Polish tennis icons before her—Agnieszka Radwanska and Wojciech Fibak—Swiatek found a new role model in Nadal. She’s adopted his signature moves: sprinting behind the baseline, fierce fist pumps, and relentless intensity. “It’s good to look at his forehand as an example, how he’s using this spin to make a difference,” she said. “Also his backhand is pretty flat. I think we have many similarities in that case.”

Swiatek also admires Nadal’s character. “Overall, I’m his fan more because of how he behaves. This is something that I try to look up to more.” She’s embraced his sportsmanship, humility, kindness, and generosity on and off the court.

Tomorrow, Iga Swiatek faces Rebecca Sramkova in the opening round. With all eyes on her to turn her season around and make a deep run on her favorite stage. It’s early, but the big question remains: will she win her fourth French Open title? What do you think? Share your thoughts below!