As tennis legend Rafael Nadal prepares for what may be his final appearance at Roland Garros, current World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has revealed the emotional impact his farewell will have on her.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 French Open, Swiatek admitted she’s bracing for tears during any ceremony honoring Nadal at the tournament where he built his legacy. Swiatek, a three-time French Open winner herself, explained just how much Nadal’s impeccable career is to her.
“I really want to see it,” she said of the scheduled tribute to Nadal. “I’ll check and see what the schedule is for Monday—if I’m going to play on Monday and all that. I need to be mindful that for sure I’m gonna cry… so we need to play it smart.”
Polish star did not attempt to hide her emotions, displaying the immense admiration that much of the current crop of players feels toward Nadal, who has a record 14 Roland Garros titles under his belt.
Swiatek, who has openly named Nadal as one of her biggest inspirations, highlighted the need to acknowledge his colossal contributions to the game.
“I would love to be there,” she said. “We should all kind of get together and celebrate Rafa and what he did for our sport. What kind of inspiration he was and still is. It means a lot to me.”
Her poignant remarks reflect the sentiments of numerous fans and players who have witnessed Nadal’s legendary career, most notably at Roland Garros, where he has become the epitome of greatness on clay.
Tribute Plans Remain Up in the Air Under Scheduling Hurdles for Iga Swiatek
Though Swiatek had a fervent interest in attending the ceremony, she did admit to the uncertainty surrounding her own match schedule, which could at least theoretically clash with any planned tribute on Monday.
“We shall see about the schedule,” she finished, keeping open the option of viewing the event over a distance, rather than in attendance.
While Nadal’s tennis career is under question as a result of continued injury woes, the 2025 French Open could be a bittersweet farewell for one of the sport’s all-time greats. For Swiatek and many others, it will be a time of remembrance, appreciation, and probably, a few tears.
