Iga Swiatek has shared what she wishes could happen with Rafael Nadal again while at the WTA Finals.
Swiatek’s WTA Finals campaign began in sensational fashion as she swept aside Madison Keys in straight sets in her opening match.
The World No. 2 looked at her best in Saudi Arabia as she looks to win the trophy she first lifted back in 2023.
During the WTA Finals press day, Swiatek shared what she learned from Nadal while they were both on the tour.
Iga Swiatek shares her memories of Rafael Nadal
Swiatek has shared her thoughts on Nadal while conducting press duties at the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia.
“What I took from Rafa is the way he never gave up… Honestly I really miss Rafa,” said the World No. 2 at the WTA Finals.
The Pole even revealed that she still uses Nadal’s matches as inspiration despite his retirement in 2022. “I’ve been watching videos randomly,” she added. “I’m like I wish I could see this live again.”
“[I’m] glad I had a chance to play tennis at the same time as him so I could experience it and find some inspiration.”
The two players briefly overlapped on the Tour and it appears the King of Clay had a lasting effect on the 2025 Wimbledon champion.
Iga Swiatek’s huge respect for Rafael Nadal
Swiatek is a life-long fan of Nadal, so it should be no surprise that her love for the Spaniard has continued past his retirement.
The World No. 2 paid tribute to the star back in 2024 after the King of Clay hung up his racquet after an incredible career.
“You were and still are the biggest inspiration that I ever had in tennis and the reason why sometimes I got extra motivated and kept pushing myself,” Swiatek wrote on social media after his retirement.
“Thank you for that and thank you for being such an amazing person off the court as well. Your humility is something that is not so often [seen] when you see other athletes succeeding.
“You’re the one that always stayed honest with himself and true to himself. Thank you for being a really good person.”
