"Comparing me to Rafael Nadal, don't think I am at that level" - Iga Swiatek on taking up 'Queen of Clay' crown after comparisons to 'King of Clay'
Iga Swiatek is cautious about taking up the 'Queen of Clay' nickname just yet and is of the opinion that she needs to achieve a lot more if the comparisons to Rafael Nadal and his 'King of Clay' crown are to be warranted. While Nadal is a record 14-time champion at the French Open, the Pole is just one-fifth of the way towards matching that tally, with three titles.
On Monday, Swiatek was in action at 2024 Roland Garros, where she breezed past Leolia Jeanjean 6-1, 6-2 to book her spot in the second round. Playing on Court Philippe-Chartrier was Nadal, who was drawn to face World No. 4 Alexander Zverev in his opener.
At her on-court interview, the two-time defending champion was asked by former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli if it was time for fans to start calling her the 'Queen of Clay.' The 22-year-old dismissed it, saying that it's too early.
Although the four-time Grand Slam champion admitted that she's proud of her achievements at the French Open, she emphasized that she's still at the beginning of her career.
Swiatek also had words of praise for her idol Nadal, saying that she will try to learn from him about how to be a good person as well as a good athlete and that she will be watching his battle with Zverev eagerly.
"I think it is too early for me (to be called the Queen of Clay). For sure, I am proud of this achievement and this has always been my favorite surface, it's where tennis for me gives the most pleasure. For sure I will be watching Rafa's match, but comparing me to him, I don't think I am at that level yet," Swiatek said.
"I still have many things to prove. He's great person and a great athlete and he has shown that for many, many years. I am just at the beginning, so I will do my best to take my lessons from him and be a good person and a good player," she added.
"What Rafael Nadal did is pretty amazing" - Iga Swiatek on Rafael Nadal's 14 French Open titles
At a press conference at the French Open last year, Iga Swiatek commented on the possibility of catching up with Rafael Nadal's 14 titles at Roland Garros, saying that she doesn't think it's likely for her.
Hailing it as an 'amazing' achievement, the World No. 1 was simply in awe of the Spaniard's impossible accomplishment.
"But, no, like Rafa, what he did and what he's still doing, it's pretty amazing. I never kind of knew that it's gonna be possible for me. So, it was totally out of my reach, if I can say that," Swiatek said.