If there’s one tennis player who has inspired Iga Swiatek’s career more than anyone, it’s Rafael Nadal. The Polish superstar has long admired the Spanish legend’s relentless spirit, dominance on clay, and unmatched work ethic. But in a recent interview with The New York Times, Swiatek took her admiration to another level, declaring Nadal the GOAT on all surfaces—not just clay.
“Everybody Always Talked About Clay, But Rafa is the GOAT on Every Surface”
Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, knows firsthand what it means to be labeled a clay-court specialist. But while she thrives on the red dirt, she doesn’t want to be boxed into that reputation. To make her point, she referenced Nadal’s career, emphasizing that his greatness often gets overlooked beyond Roland Garros.
“It was the same with Rafa. Everybody always talked about clay, but like he’s the GOAT (greatest of all time) basically on every surface. Also, winning Wimbledon twice. Not every player can have these results on even one surface.”
Indeed, Nadal’s 14 French Open titles are the stuff of legend, but Swiatek reminded fans that he also won two Wimbledons, four US Opens, and two Australian Opens—a feat that proves he was never just a one-trick pony.
Swiatek’s Own Mission: Becoming an All-Surface Champion
Swiatek, who won her first hard-court Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open, doesn’t want to be known as just a clay-court queen. She aims to dominate across all surfaces, just like her idol.
“I want to be an all-surface player for sure.”
She acknowledges that her topspin-heavy game gives her an edge on clay, much like Nadal, but she insists that her skills translate well to hard courts too.
“On clay, it’s going to be a bit easier because my topspin will jump higher and my movements will be maybe better than what other girls can bring with the sliding and changing direction. But on hard courts, I feel like I’m a good player as well.”
Swiatek has already backed up her words. Alongside her four Roland Garros titles, she has captured multiple WTA 1000 hard-court trophies, including the Doha Open, where she recently extended her winning streak.
Chasing Nadal’s Legacy, One Title at a Time
At just 22 years old, Swiatek is already a five-time Grand Slam champion, but she knows there’s more work to do to achieve true all-surface greatness. Like Nadal, she’s determined to keep evolving, keep improving, and silence any critics who label her as a clay specialist.
With Wimbledon and the Australian Open still on her Grand Slam wish list, the Polish sensation has made one thing clear: She doesn’t just want to follow in Nadal’s footsteps—she wants to carve her own legendary path.
