Iga Swiatek says Rafael Nadal is a 'good example' of how to end career, cried during Madrid Open ceremony

Iga Swiatek revealed that she cried during the farewell ceremony for Rafael Nadal at the Madrid Open. The Polish player spoke about Nadal's impending retirement and expressed her admiration for how he is handling the end of his career and the pride he shows for all that he has achieved.

While participating in the Rome Open, Swiatek commented in a press conference that she has been emotional following Nadal's journey in the past few weeks, particularly at the Madrid Open one week ago. The 22-times Grand Slam champion had an emotional farewell in Madrid after falling in the round of 16 against Jiri Lehecka.

"(I have) Mixed emotions because obviously I’m still pretty young so it’s hard for me to understand his exact situation. I haven’t been in a place where I’m playing my last tournament. I watched the whole ceremony in Madrid. I cried. He seems happy. That’s the most important thing,” she said.

“His approach is very smart. Really a good example of an athlete that’s satisfied with what he’s achieved. He’s okay with starting another chapter in his life. It seems like it. I think he’s gonna be a good example of how you should approach this kind of stuff. It’s normal. Everyone’s obviously making a huge fuss around it. But it’s his life and he’s doing it the way he wants it, on his terms," the 4-times Grand Slam champion added.

The world No. 1 is on an 8-match winning streak on clay after winning the title at the WTA 1000 Madrid Open one week ago, and now she has secured two consecutive victories in Rome. The Polish player comfortably defeated Bernarda Pera (6-0, 6-2) and Yulia Putintseva (6-3, 6-4), and her next challenge will be against the former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber.