Rafael Nadal farewell: Iga Swiatek makes confession about watching tennis after idol’s retirement
Iga Swiatek has admitted she is unsure whether she is going to watch any tennis after her idol Rafael Nadal retires from the sport.
The world No 2 revealed Nadal was the only player she watched after meeting with the Spanish legend in Malaga.
Nadal will call time on his incredible career after the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8 stage, which will be held from November 19-24 in Malaga.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner announced his decision in an emotional video shared on social media last month.
“The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two years especially,” Nadal said.
“I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make.
“But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.”
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Swiatek is currently in action at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, which is being staged in Malaga this week.
The four-time Grand Slam champion won her singles match against Paula Badosa on Friday to help Poland defeat hosts Spain 2-0 in the first knockout round of the team event.
The world No 2 spoke about her meeting with Nadal, who is training in Malaga ahead of the Davis Cup Finals, before her match on Friday.
“Yeah, we actually met, I don’t know, like, five minutes before my match,” Swiatek explained. “So I wasn’t really in my talking mode. But it’s always nice to see Rafa.
“Honestly, he was the only player I watched, so I don’t know if I’m going to watch tennis at all now.”
Swiatek recently revealed why she will not attend Nadal’s farewell next week.
“I would love to see it, but I have to start the pre-season after competing here,” the 23-year-old told AS.
“Rafa has had a huge impact on me, on how I see tennis and my career as well. But I am going to miss him on the court.
“I know it’s a good decision for him, he’s played so well for so many years that he deserves to enjoy the second half of his life as well.
“So I hope he finds goals that make him happy. He’s a great person and I wish him the best.”
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