Both the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and the Davis Cup Finals are taking place in Malaga. The first-round match between Spain and Poland was played on Friday and Iga Swiatek secured the win for her country, defeating Paula Badosa in three sets.
Before her match, Iga was greeted by Rafael Nadal. Throughout the years, she has been open about the deep inspiration she draws from the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Here’s an excerpt from today’s press conference where the Polish player spoke about our champ.
Q.: “We know about your love for Rafael Nadal, and he’s arrived in town last night. Wondered if you’d bumped into him yet, if you’d seen him, and whether you’re planning to stick around and maybe watch him?”
Iga Swiatek: “Yeah, we actually met, I don’t know, like, five minutes before my match, so I wasn’t really in my talking mode (smiling).
But it’s always nice to see Rafa, and I’m going to watch, you know, online his matches, because, I don’t know. I have, like, mixed feelings, because I’m happy that he can start a new chapter, and I’m happy that also he can have a nice finish here on Davis Cup, a tournament that he loves and in Spain, you know.
But on the other hand, I really will miss watching him on court. Honestly, he was the only player I watched, so I don’t know if I’m going to watch tennis at all now. But, yeah, he’s a huge inspiration. Yeah, I have mixed feelings, for sure.”
Same here. I got my son to do a compilation of Rafa’s greatest matches – too many to count – and the portable hard drive full of Rafa has been the best birthday present I have received in my life.
I shall miss you terribly, Rafa – your spirit, your essence …….
I doubt I’ll watch as much tennis after Rafa retires. I tried to follow Carlos but his recent behavior when he loses control is such a shame. Same with the doping scandal of Jannik. Rafa out the bar really high of how to behave on and off the court so no need to get dissapointed with other players.
I won’t watch much, but Iga is one of the few players I will watch like a normal fan, not crazy.😅 I will always remember how incredibly nice Iga was on March 15, 2023 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. I like her even more since. It has been a pleasure to have had many opportunities to make donations in Rafa’s honor and am happy to continue in Iga’s honor. Thank you Rafa and Iga!❤️
Yes it is so great to watch Rafa play. When he’s not playing I won’t watch as much I’m sure! No one has the passion for tennis like Rafa! He’s been the one to watch all these years!