The women’s world no.1 player Iga Swiatek revealed her biggest tennis idol as the Pole has been at the top of her game for years now.
Swiatek announced herself to the tennis world after winning her first Grand Slam at the French Open 2020 and has been performing at the top level since then.
At just 22 years of age, Swiatek is already a four-time Grand Slam winner — three French Open titles and a US Open — and is already considered one of the finest players of her generation.
While speaking to Tennis365, Swiatek was asked who her biggest idol was and the Pole revealed that it was Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal who she looked after from a young age.
“Rafael Nadal was my idol from a very young age and inspired me to work hard and stay humble. Steffi Graf for her pursuit of excellence and intense presence on the court. Serena and Venus Williams for shaping our game in the way we it today and changing it on so many levels,” she told Tennis365.
The Pole was also asked about the lowest and highest point of her career to which she revealed that playing in Tokyo 2020 with a load of expectations on her shoulder did affect her.
“It’s actually a tough question. As I’m constantly learning to enjoy my journey more and more and appreciate achievements I would say that winning Cancun and finishing 2023 as No 1 is something that will stay with me forever,” she added.
“But you know… every small win, every good practice and good day is a high moment for me. As for the low ones? Probably managing expectations during Tokyo 2020 was something that took a toll on me.”
Earlier today, Swiatek overpowered Yulia Putintseva 6-1 6-2 on Tuesday to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells, where she will face former world number one Caroline Wozniacki.