Iga Swiatek stunned the tennis world in October last year after winning her first Major title at Roland Garros at 19, dominating the rest of the field and winning all seven matches in straight sets.
Thus, Iga got the opportunity to lift the trophy alongside her idol Rafael Nadal, who also defeated all seven opponents in straight sets. Speaking about Rafa recently, Iga said that she has his signed T-shirt on her wall and his calendar.
"I like Rafa Nadal; I have his T-shirt with his signature on my wall and the calendar with Rafa. He is my idol. He's humble and has stayed the same guy he was before winning so many titles. I didn't watch tennis that much when I was younger. The only player who fascinated me was Rafael Nadal. I guess I copied my style of play from him. I like to hit the balls with a lot of topspin.
My first trainer also told me that it was unusual for a girl to play with topspin. He advised me to focus on it as one day it will be a great strength. Since I now know Rafa as a player and as a person, I respect him even more.
He's humble and has stayed the same guy he was before winning so many titles. When I was young, I loved the way he looks and the energy he plays with," Iga Swiatek said.
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