Iga Swiatek Lauds Rafael Nadal as the ‘GOAT on Every Surface’

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Iga Swiatek, the current world number one in women’s tennis, expressed her admiration for Rafael Nadal, asserting that he is the greatest of all time (GOAT) across all playing surfaces. Swiatek emphasized that while Nadal is often celebrated for his clay-court dominance, his achievements on grass and hard courts are equally remarkable. She stated, “It was the same with Rafa. Everybody always talked about clay, but like he’s the GOAT basically on every surface

Swiatek, who has secured four of her five Grand Slam titles at the French Open, draws inspiration from Nadal’s versatility and success beyond clay courts. She highlighted his two Wimbledon victories as evidence of his adaptability and excellence on grass. Reflecting on her own game, Swiatek noted, “On clay, it’s going to be a bit easier because my topspin will jump higher and my movements will be maybe better than what other girls can bring with the sliding and changing direction. But on hard courts, I feel like I’m a good player as well.”

Nadal’s illustrious career boasts 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 French Open victories, 2 Wimbledon championships, 4 US Open titles, and 2 Australian Open wins, underscoring his prowess across all surfaces.

Swiatek’s admiration for Nadal extends beyond his on-court achievements; she has often spoken about how his relentless spirit and adaptability have inspired her own approach to the game.

For more insights into Swiatek’s perspective on Nadal’s versatility and her aspirations to emulate his all-surface success, you can watch the following video: