MY IDOL’ – IGA SWIATEK SAYS SHE IS TAKING INSPIRATION FROM RAFA NADAL AS SHE WEIGHS UP HER FUTURE

Iga Swiatek says Rafa Nadal is her inspiration as she looks to continue her remarkable career trajectory. The 20-year-old won the sunshine double of Indian Wells and Miami in March, and ascended to world No. 1 following the retirement of Ash Barty. And she revealed the legendary Spaniard’s approach to tennis is helping her keep calm as she contends with her new-found status.

The 20-year-old Pole – who became No. 1 last month following the retirement of Ash Barty – has sparkled so far in 2022, landing a stunning sunshine double by winning Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back.

She now goes into the clay-court season – her favourite surface – as one of the leading contenders to win what would be her second Roland Garros title after her first in 2020.

LAVER CUP

ICONIC MOMENT AS DJOKOVIC COACHES FEDERER AND NADAL AT LAVER CUP

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And legendary Spaniard Nadal – who holds the most majors in the men’s game with 21 – is the person Swiatek is looking to mimic as she eyes longer-term success.

Speaking to Eurosport France, Swiatek said: “Mostly, [I see my career plan as] like Rafa. I feel closest to this approach. I want to focus on my day-to-day work. It’s important, it’s the most clear situation for me.

“If I start thinking about records, or ‘I want to be the first in this, the first to do that’, it’s not good for me. I don’t want to be like I’m always chasing something.

“So focus on the day-by-day, the next match. It helps me to stay calm. Don’t waste energy on other stuff.

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“But everyone is different so I can also understand Novak [Djokovic’s] way [of openly declaring which records he wants to break].

“A lot of things have already happened especially in the last couple of weeks so I need to stay focussed on the next tournament.

“If I think about the whole season, it will be a little bit too much for me. I need to stay calm.”

Swiatek – who goes into this week’s Stuttgart Open on a 19-match winning streak – says Nadal is not just her inspiration looking ahead from now, but was also responsible for the person she is today – and even the way she plays.

Swiatek said: “In everyday life, I think my sister had the biggest influence because she was the one I was watching everyday. I wanted to be like her, like every younger sibling.

“But Rafa for sure he inspired me a lot. I had a lot of fun watching him play on TV. Basically, his mental strength is the main thing I wanted to take from him.

I WANTED TO PLAY TOPSPIN LIKE HIM, TOO. HE IS THE REASON WHY I PLAY LIKE THIS.

“Rafa has always been my idol. I have pretty sad memories of Roland Garros last year because I was crying when Rafa lost against Novak.

“But two years ago, I was watching the final. I had the trophy photoshoot [after she won the women’s title]. I was wearing this really nice long dress and went to see the final [Nadal-Djokovic] like this.

“It was nice because I didn’t get the chance to see Rafa play so often. I wanted to use that occasion.”