At the 2025 French Open, Iga Świątek delivered a poignant tribute to Rafael Nadal during a special farewell ceremony held at Roland Garros. This event marked exactly 20 years since Nadal’s first match at the tournament, where he would go on to become the “King of Clay” with a record 14 titles and a 112-4 match record.
Świątek, a five-time Grand Slam champion and current world No. 1, has long cited Nadal as her greatest inspiration in tennis. Their paths have often paralleled, with Świątek dominating the women’s draw at Roland Garros in a manner reminiscent of Nadal’s reign over the men’s side . In a heartfelt message shared after Nadal’s retirement announcement in October 2024, Świątek expressed:
“You were and still are the biggest inspiration that I ever had in tennis. The reason why sometimes I got extra motivated and kept pushing myself.”
During the ceremony at Court Philippe-Chatrier, Świątek joined fellow players like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Coco Gauff in honoring Nadal’s unparalleled legacy. Their tributes underscored the profound impact Nadal has had on the sport, transcending generations and inspiring both contemporaries and future stars.
For Świątek, the ceremony was not just a formal tribute but a deeply personal moment. Having grown up idolizing Nadal, she has often spoken about how his resilience and humility influenced her own approach to tennis. In a 2022 interview, she remarked on Nadal’s unwavering work ethic and the mental fortitude he displayed, especially in challenging moments.
As Nadal embarks on the next chapter of his life, Świątek’s tribute serves as a testament to the enduring bond between two of tennis’s most formidable champions. Their mutual respect and admiration highlight the deep connections forged through shared dedication to the sport.
