Iga Swiatek pays a visit to Rafael Nadal's Academy
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek recently paid a visit to Rafael Nadal's academy in Mallorca. The Pole posted a few pictures on Instagram of her visit and training session at the Rafa Nadal Academy. She also posted a picture of her coffee which featured Nadal's trademark raging bull logo.
familiar logo in Iga's morning coffee ☕️😉
📸: @iga_swiatek https://t.co/UzfAGKGBPO
Iga Swiatek has idolized Rafael Nadal ever since childhood and said not long back that she broke down in tears when the Spaniard lost to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of last year's Roland Garros.
"Rafael Nadal has always been my idol. I have pretty sad memories of Roland Garros last year because I was crying when Rafa lost against Novak [Djokovic]. But two years ago, I was watching the final. I had the trophy photoshoot [after I won the women's title]," Swiatek said.
"I was wearing this really nice long dress and went to see the final like this. It was nice because I didn't get the chance to see [Nadal] play so often. I wanted to use that occasion."
Rafael Nadal returns from injury as the third seed at the Madrid Open
Rafael Nadal will return to action at the Madrid Open after missing the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open due to a rib stress fracture he suffered in Indian Wells. The Spaniard is seeded third in the tournament and will take on either Miomir Kecmanovic or Alexander Bublik in the second round.
Swiatek, on the other hand, is not playing at the Madrid Open, citing fatigue after playing several tournaments in the span of a few weeks. The World No. 1 will likely return to action in Rome next week.
Unfortunately my team and I decided that I need to withdraw from Madrid. I hope to see you next year.
🎾Unfortunately my team and I decided that I need to withdraw from Madrid. I hope to see you next year.
🎾Razem z moim teamem zdecydowaliśmy, że niestety wycofam się z turnieju w Madrycie. https://t.co/SQ4lJUwhPd
The Pole has enjoyed a very good season so far, with 33 wins out of 36 matches. She has won four tournaments on the trot, three on hardcourt and one on clay. Given her current run of form, Swiatek will be a heavy favorite to win the Italian Open and Roland Garros.
Meanwhile, Nadal is returning from injury and might be rusty in the early going in Madrid.
Nadal is scheduled to compete in the Italian Open after Madrid. He won his 11th title in Rome last year by beating Novak Djokovic in the final. The Spaniard will then return to Roland Garros seeking a record 14th title.