World number one Iga Swiatek reflects on her hard world and inspiration from Rafael Nadal after a dominant 6-0 6-2 win over Alison Riske.
Iga Swiatek is into the third round at Roland Garros after another dominant win this time over Alison Riske.
The Pole took four minutes longer than her opening round but still convincingly moved into the third round where she will play Danka Kovinic.
It’s clear that Swiatek’s confidence is sky high right now and the Pole spoke about how that comes about in her press conference, “I think it’s like a constant presence that I have since I started playing on the WTA, for sure,” Swiatek said.
“Just winning all these matches gave me a lot of confidence but I also knew that it could really press me down if I like don’t adjust to it well. I feel like I’m using my new position to put more pressure on my opponents. Yeah, I’m pretty happy that I could convert it to a way that is really helpful. I feel like my confidence is better.”
Swiatek’s confidence shows as the former Roland Garros champion is on a 30 match winning streak and has won five consecutive WTA titles.
It’s something that has been in the works since the end of last season for the Pole as she has proved that hard work and persistence pays.
In her press conference Swiatek elaborated on the reasoning on why this run is coming together now, “I think basically I changed some things, like I started being more aggressive and trying to be more proactive on court. That’s something that my coach really helped me to do,” Swiatek said.
“I think all the work we have been doing, even last season, it finally clicked somehow. You know, last season it was a year for me where I really gained so much experience. This year I feel like I’m using it the right way. I have this experience already, and I can just move forward.
“I think it’s, you know, the physical work I have been doing but also with my psychologist, I think it’s the work of the whole team as well. I’m pretty glad that it clicks right now.”
Swiatek’s form clicking into place is bad news for the rest of the tour as she looks to win her second Roland Garros and grand slam title.
Someone who inspired Swiatek to play tennis was 13-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal.
The Pole also spoke about how she takes inspiration for her and about her dream of one day playing mixed doubles with him, “Rafa, he’s a huge inspiration, but it’s not like I was writing in a notebook exactly how he’s playing and then trying to do the same, because, well, first of all, he’s a man,” Swiatek said.
“It’s pretty hard for us girls to play like men, because they have more power, for sure. But, you know, I always wanted to play topspin, so I think he influenced me in that way. Oh, my God. I would love to play mixed doubles with Rafa. I think it would be really great experience. But when was the last time he played mixed doubles?”
Swiatek’s dream of playing mixed doubles with Nadal might look unlikely but both of them may win Roland Garros in the same year like they did in 2020.
The Pole will play her third round clash against Danka Kovinic on Saturday.
