"I'm just curious to see if they're going to be rusty or not": Iga Swiatek left intrigued by comeback of Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka in 2024

With the 2024 tennis season just a few days away, World No.1 Iga Swiatek is eagerly anticipating the return of superstars Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka to the game.

Nadal has been out of action since the 2023 Australian Open, having injured his hip and subsequently undergoing surgery that has kept him sidelined. Conversely, Osaka gave birth to her first child this summer, but has been ramping up her practice sessions and is set to return at the start of the season.

With both Nadal and Osaka set to return at the 2024 Brisbane International, Swiatek hopes the duo can return to their Grand Slam-winning form. Additionally, the Polish star would like to face Osaka again, having faced the Japanese superstar on two occasions and winning one of them.

"I’m just curious [to see] how they are going to play and if they’re going to be rusty or not but obviously they are both really experienced so I hope they’re going to do well," said Swiatek in an interview with The National News. "From a fan perspective, I’m really happy that they are coming back and I’m going to be able to see their game. Rafa obviously is a huge inspiration for me, so I just hope he’s going to play nicely.

"Naomi, we may play against each other, so it’s pretty funny but I’m happy that she’s back and she could fulfill her other goals and now come back to playing tennis."