Iga Świątek has consistently referred to Rafael Nadal as one of her big inspirations throughout what has already been a stunning career.
The 22-year-old, despite her youth, has claimed an astounding four Grand Slam titles, three of which came at the French Open.
It is clear that she thrives on clay, and thus the inspirations are further reinforced.
However, what the 37-year-old did last month really left her upset, as it became even clearer that we are reaching the end of his stunning career with each passing week…
Rafael Nadal made Iga Świątek emotional
Speaking to Tennis Channel after enjoying a comfortable start in Rome, the Polish tennis star was quizzed on Nadal, who is unsurprisingly the hot topic wherever he goes at the moment.
After all, with every new tournament the narrative is dominated by the Spaniard and how it will likely be his last time at each event.
When asked about her feelings on his looming retirement, she claimed: ‘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. His approach is very smart. Really a good example of an athlete that’s satisfied of 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.’
Rafael Nadal’s farewell tour goes on
As aforementioned, wherever Nadal goes he will be worshipped with god-like status, after everything he has given to the sport.
It is a sad sight to see such an obviously talented player fail to threaten winning titles, but such is his age and fitness levels, it was expected that we would see some drop-off.
However, he still competes with most, perhaps just coming undone when asked to bypass one of the big-hitting top performers.
That might all change at Roland Garros though, given the historic relationship he shares on those fabled courts.
That certainly promises to be the greatest celebration of his talents before his inevitable retirement, but that is only if he decides to play, having threatened to pull out should he not feel up to the right standard.
But given how he has been received in Rome and Madrid, Paris would certainly be the pinnacle of this farewell tour and one not to miss.
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