Watch: Throwback to Iga Swiatek's spot-on imitation of idol Rafael Nadal's service routine
Iga Swiatek has repeatedly stated that the tennis player who has had the most influence on her career is Rafael Nadal. The World No. 1 has been a long-time fan of the Spaniard, modeling her own game around the 20-time Slam champion.
In an old video that recently surfaced on social media, the Pole can be seen performing a spot-on imitation of the Mallorcan's unique service routine. While Swiatek sticks to serving right-handed, everything else she does is uncannily similar to Nadal -- the nose rub, the hair tuck, the ball bounce and adjusting the trousers before the high ball toss.
Following the serve, Swiatek even managed to capture the essence of the 21-time Grand Slam champion's characteristic grunts before eventually finishing off the with a "Vamos!"
The 20-year-old was on the verge of laughter as the video drew to a close, making the clip even more hilarious to watch.
Next step for Iga Swiatek: playing like Nadal
(via @TheTennisLetter) https://t.co/eCUn3JjjUu
Iga Swiatek is on the hunt for her second French Open title while Rafael Nadal looks to win his 14th
Iga Swiatek will off her 2022 French Open campaign against qualifier Lesia Tsurenko, whom she has never met before on the WTA tour.
A victory for the World No. 1 would pit her against either Alison Riske or Dayana Yastremska in the second round. Clashes against Liudmila Samsonova and Simona Halep could await Swiatek in the third and fourth rounds, respectively.
#RolandGarros
R1: Swiatek vs Tsurenko https://t.co/zCT02XcjNx
In the last three rounds, the Pole is expected to lock horns with Jessica Pegula, Paula Badosa and Ons Jabeur based on current form. The 20-year-old already has one Roland Garros title to her name and will be looking to win her second Grand Slam title this fortnight.
Rafael Nadal, on the other hand, kicks off his 2022 French Open campaign against Jordan Thompson. The Spaniard won their previous meeting on the ATP tour. A win against the Australian would pit the 35-year-old against either Stan Wawrinka or Corentin Moutet in the second round.
Here’s Rafa’s projected draw for #RolandGarros :
R1 : Thompson
R2 : Wawrinka / Moutet
R3 : Fognini / Van De Zandschulp
R4 : Auger Aliassime / Opelka
QFs : Novak Djokovic
SFs : Alcaraz / Zverev
Final : Tsitsipas / Medvedev
What a terrible draw AGAIN 😵💫
The Spaniard might have to face Fabio Fognini and Felix Auger-Aliassime in the next two rounds. Clashes against Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas could await the former World No. 1 in his final three matches at Roland Garros.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion will be looking to win a record-extending 14th French Open title this year and also extend his lead over Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the Slam race in the process.