IGA SWIATEK SAYS RAFAEL NADAL’S TENACITY ‘INSPIRED’ HER SUCCESS IN SPEECH AT RAFA NADAL ACADEMY
This year’s French Open winner, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, gave a keynote speech to the academy run by Roland-Garros great Rafael Nadal, on Wednesday. The 22-year-old Polish player paid tribute to the Mallorcan, who has dominated in Paris for much of the last two decades, but who now appears to be nearing the end of his career after missing the 2023 edition.
Iga Swiatek has revealed how Rafael Nadal’s tenacity” has inspired her to greatness as she gave a speech to the graduates at his Mallorca academy.
The 22-year-old Pole is the 2023 French Open champion after she secured her hat-trick at the weekend.
The victory clinches her position at the top of the world rankings for some time and given her performance for much of the fortnight at Roland-Garros, many expect her to continue to dominate the women’s game.
On Wednesday she had been invited to deliver a speech at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca to this year’s class of graduates, including last year’s US Open girl’s champion, Alexandra Eala.
Welcoming Swiatek to the event, 22-time Grand Slam Nadal said: “Honestly, for us it’s a huge privilege to have you here today.
“I know that everybody here at the academy, the students especially, appreciate your efforts, that after winning Roland-Garros you are here inspiring all the kids.”
Swiatek then spoke, saying: “For the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at one quote at Roland Garros in Paris.
“On Philippe-Chatrier Stadium it’s written ‘The victory belongs to the most tenacious.’
