Rafael Nadal
Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek greet Rafael Nadal
WTA stars share heartwarming messages
October 11, 2024
Mathew Stockman/Getty Images
Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek at the 2022 US Open.
By ATP staff
After Rafael Nadal announced he was retiring from professional tennis at the end of the 2024 season on Thursday, WTA stars Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff shared emotional messages from the former World No.
Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion who considers Nadal his role model, posted a video on social media, sharing thoughts on his “huge motivation” and influence on his career.
“He’s the biggest inspiration I’ve ever had in tennis and still is. The reason why I sometimes have motivation and keep pushing myself,” said the four-time Roland Garros champion.
Calling it a special day for every tennis fan, Swiatek humbly thanked the 22-year-old Grand Slam champion and wished him well as he prepares for the next chapter of his life.
“I hope you enjoy the rest of your life and hopefully maybe another career, because the sky’s the limit now. And I hope you spend more time now with your loved ones and your family.”
RafIga FOREVER ♾#RafaSiempre pic.twitter.com/YPPH7Rd8Vl
— wta (@WTA) October 11, 2024
Coco Gauff also shared her thoughts on the 14-year-old Roland Garros champion at the Dongfeng Voyah · Wuhan Open WTA tournament in China.
“He’s my favorite person to see practice honestly,” said the 2023 US Open champion. “The intensity he put into the practice field and what is evident on the field of play is something that I felt like watching it cannot be compared to.
“Watching this video, I am sad because Rafa was the only one I knew when I was growing up. “I’m sure he won Roland Garros for most of my life,” said Gauff, who was born three years after Nadal became champion in 2001.
He also recalled fond memories of Nadal at this year’s Olympics in Paris.
“Actually, I don’t think I posted a picture, but we traded pins at the Olympics, which I wanted to do. He was very happy about that. We were both waiting on the shuttle. It was the last shuttle of the day, like 11pm and I asked him if I could have his pin.
“Carlos [Alcaraz] he was there, too, but Carlos had no pins. I only took a picture with Rafa there. I was like, ‘Carlos, you can’t be in it because you didn’t give me a pin,'” she shared, laughing.
“Yes, I will remember something like that. And something I will definitely tell my children because it meant a lot to me.”
The Spaniard, who has a record of 12-7 in the 2024 season according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, will play his final event at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain, in November.
– with help from WTATennis.com.
