Iga Swiatek believes Rafael Nadal’s text message inspired her to train harder
Iga Swiatek revealed Rafael Nadal texted her after her Australian Open exit and as such has called Nadal a “great example for all of us.”
2020 French Open winner Swiatek lost to Danielle Collins the semi-final of the Australian Open. After her defeat, now 21-time Slam champion Nadal texted her. Understandably, Swiatek said such a message filled her with jubilation and surprise in equal measure.
The day after Swiatek’s loss, Nadal played World number six Matteo Berrettini in his semi-final tie. Nadal overcame Berrettini and went on to battle from behind against US Open victor Daniil Medvedev and win a record-breaking 21st Slam title.
This put him ahead of 20-time Slam titlists Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who were both absent. The ‘Happy Slam’ came to soon for Federer as he steps up his recovery from a third knee surgery, whilst Djokovic was deported just one day before the Slam got underway.
Speaking ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships, Swiatek said “it surprised me because for sure he has a busy life. And he focused on himself.
“I don’t know how players that are that great, [I don’t know] how they live, if they share something.
“It was pretty amazing to see that he actually can text somebody like me, and it shows that he’s pretty down to earth, I guess.
“For me it’s really inspiring. Because even though I wasn’t really angry and sad after my match with Danielle because I know she played pretty perfect game.
“I mean I just felt really motivated. The day after I lost I wanted to come back on court and work harder. I think Rafa’s message had a lot to do with that.
“He’s just [a] great example for all of us, and it’s pretty cool to have contact with him.”
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