Iga Swiatek showed some major respect and appreciation for Rafael Nadal after her latest French Open victory as the 22-year-old Pole refused to declare herself “the Queen of Clay” and made it clear she didn’t want to be called that way.
On Monday, world No. 1 Swiatek cruised past Leolia Jeanjean 6-1 6-2 to set up a French Open second-round showdown versus fellow four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. By beating Jeanjean, three-time French Open champion Swiatek improve to a lifetime 29-2 at Roland Garros.
Since Nadal – the King of Clay was scheduled on Court Suzanne Lenglen after Swiatek’s match – an on-court interviewer asked the Pole if she could be called the Queen of Clay from now on. Swiatek, who grew up idolizing Nadal and dreaming she could one day be winning on the biggest stage, made sure to provide the most respectful answer possible.
“I think it’s too early, for sure I’m really proud of these achievements, this has always been my favorite surface. For sure I’ll be watching Rafa’s match. Comparing him to me, I’m not at that level, I still have many things to prove,” Swiatek answered.
