Swiatek’s greatest inspiration leaves the tennis stage · tennisnet.com

Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka paid tribute Rafael Nadal tribute after the Spaniard announced his retirement on Thursday.

Tributes have piled up in the final hours, including from his former rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, as well as Carlos Alcaraz, with whom Nadal served in doubles at the Paris Olympics this summer. But the Spaniard has not only made a big mark in the men’s tennis world. Iga Swiatek, who has long claimed the throne as world number one, released an emotional video after the Spanish maestro’s announcement in which the 23-year-old thanks Rafa and explains how important the 22-time Grand Slam is -champion for her career.

Swiatek: “You were and are the greatest inspiration I have ever had in tennis”

In addition to his successes on the court, the world number one also appreciates Nadal’s personality outside the tennis courts: “Thank you very much for that and for the fact that you are also a great person off the court. Your humility is something we don’t see very often. Thank you for being such a wonderful person. I hope you enjoy the other side of your life and other careers.”

The four-time French Open winner, who feels most comfortable even on the ashes, has not yet returned to the WTA tour since her US Open quarter-final defeat against Jessica Pegula. The world number one withdrew from the Masters tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan.

Aryna Sabalenka, who is currently serving in Wuhan, received the news of retirement two minutes before the start of her round of 16 match. I watched the announcement video before my match, it was very emotional,” says the world number 2. “I didn’t cry, but I had tears in my eyes. It’s incredible what he has achieved in this sport. He is an inspiration for all of us and for the new generation, the current players.”

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Nadal Rafael

Sabalenka Aryna

Swiatek Iga