'I respect Rafael Nadal as a player and person,' said Iga Swiatek

The young Polish star Iga Swiatek made a name for herself at the last year's Roland Garros, winning all seven matches in dominant style to follow Rafael Nadal's steps and win the first Major.

Swiatek didn't watch too much tennis when she was younger, but Rafael Nadal was always on her list, copying Nadal's style of play and admiring him both on and off the court. Swiatek wished to win Roland Garros alongside Rafa and it came true, as they both toppled all the rivals in straight sets to reign supreme and write history books together in the French capital.

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"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."