Rafael Nadal's legacy continues at French Open: What 2024 finalists Carlos Alcaraz & Iga Swiatek have said about their 'idol'
Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz have both confirmed their place in the French Open final, with impressive semifinal victories. While Swiatek made easy work of Coco Gauff by beating her in straight sets, Alcaraz was pushed to five sets by soon-to-become World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Swiatek and Alcaraz are huge fans of Rafael Nadal and consider the Spanish superstar as their idol. With Roland Garros being Nadal's backyard for almost two decades, it is quite fitting that two of his biggest admirers on tour will compete in the final in Paris.
Carlos Alcaraz grew up watching Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz has admitted that Rafael Nadal was his idol growing up. The young Spaniard has had a similar rise to stardom as his Spanish counterpart, with both players winning Grand Slam titles early on in their careers. Alcaraz has developed the same winning mentality on the court, which helped Rafael Nadal cement a place in the tennis folklore.
"He was my childhood idol, and he is the idol of all Spanish fans of tennis and sports in general because of his career, his charisma, his work, his mentality," Alcaraz said.
When asked about his childhood hero, Alcaraz admitted that he liked to watch Roger Federer, but always considered Nadal as his idol. The Spanish star further added that he has looked up to Nadal ever since he started playing tennis.
“My hero was Rafael Nadal and it’s still Rafael Nadal. Since I started playing tennis, I look up to Rafa every time that I watch his matches. Of course, I look up to Roger Federer, but it has always been Rafa," Alcaraz further added.
Iga Swiatek is a Rafael Nadal fan
Iga Swiatek has openly spoken about her love for Rafael Nadal. The Polish star is rapidly making a name for herself as the 'Queen of Clay' having won three French Open titles in four years. Now, with an illusive fourth title on offer in the final, the World No. 1 will be keen to match her idol in dominating the clay courts of Paris.
Speaking about Rafael Nadal, Swiatek admitted that she is a Rafael Nadal fan. The Polish star has a poster and a calendar with Rafael Nadal pictures in her room which highlights her love for the Spanish superstar. Swiatek is impressed with Nadal's humble nature and considers him his idol.
“I really like Rafa Nadal, I have his T-shirt with his signature on my wall. The calendar with Rafa. He is my idol. He’s humble and has stayed the same guy he was before winning so many titles," Iga Swiatek candidly admitted.
Now, with a place at the Roland Garros final secured, Alcaraz and Swiatek will be keen to win a title at the place where Nadal has dominated for 14 years.