Rafael Nadal's retirement announcement could not have gone without a very special tribute from Iga Swiatek as the Pole made sure to react to the news in the best possible way.
ADVERTISEMENT
After withdrawing from the US Open and also missing the Laver Cup, the 22-time Grand Slam champion broke his silence on Thursday by confirming that the 2024 season was indeed his last in pro tennis and that next month's Davis Cup Finals would be his last event. Previously, the 37-year-old revealed in 2023 May that this year would likely be his last on the Tour.
Anyone who follows tennis, knows extremely well that Swiatek has numerous times spoken about her admiration for Nadal and how she grew up watching him and hoping she could one day be making similar results.
And following the news that saddened the entire tennis community, the 23-year-old filmed a clip that lasted just over one minute. While she didn't say anything about the Spaniard that we haven't previously heard, it was still a very beautiful and heartwarming message.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Hi Rafa, because of your announcement today, I think this is going to be a really special day for every tennis fan. And I wanted just to speak about my appreciation, and what your career meant to me because, ou 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," Swiatek said in a recorded message.
"Thank you for that and thank you for being such an amazing person off the court as well. Your humility is something that is not so [common] when you see other athletes succeeding. You're the one that always stayed honest with himself and true to himself. Thank you for being such a good person. I hope you're going to enjoy the other part of your life and hopefully maybe some other career, because the sky is the limit for you now."
ADVERTISEMENT
Nadal's emotional announcement
In a nearly five-minute clip that showed the 22-time Grand Slam champion announcing his retirement but also showing footage of some of his biggest moments on the court, one of the greatest ever highlighted that "everything has a beginning and an end" in this life.
Also, the Spaniard admitted that the last couple of years weren't easy but also noted that he was "at peace" with the decision he has made.
I feel super lucky for all the things Ive been able to experience. I want to thank the entire tennis industry, all the people involved in this sport, my longtime colleagues, especially my great rivals. Ive spent many, many hours with them, and Ive lived many moments that Ill remember for the rest of my life. Talking about my team is a little bit more difficult for me, because in the end, my team has been a very important part of my life. Theyre not just co-workers. They are friends," Nadal announced on Thursday.
ADVERTISEMENT
"And finally, you the fans I cant thank you enough for what youve made me feel. You give me the energy Ive needed every moment, really. Everything I have experienced has been a dream come true. I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way I can only end by saying thanks to all and see you soon.
Swiatek's response to if she could pull off a remarkable Nadal record
In 2020 - during the pandemic year when the French Open was moved to late September and early October - the Pole lifted her maiden Grand Slam title at the age of 19 after beating Sofia Kenin in the final. While she didn't manage to defend her title in the following year, she has managed to win three consecutive titles in Paris between 2022 and 2024.
ADVERTISEMENT
And now at the age of 23, Swiatek has won four French Open titles in six appearances. Since she is widely considered the best clay-courter on the WTA Tour right now, some wonder if she can get to 10 titles at Roland Garros and potentially even emulate Nadal's all-time record of 14 titles.
When asked about it following her 2024 triumph, the 23-year-old admitted she never expected to be compared to Nadal and told reporters to wait for another decade and a half and see what would happen.
We will see in 14 years if the journey is similar, I mean it's obviously very nice to me. I would never expect anyone to compare me to Rafa because for me he is above everybody and he is a total legend. We will see in a couple of years, but I am proud of myself that I am playing consistently here and that I'm mentioned in the same sentence as Rafa. That's cool, Swiatek explained.
