Iga Swiatek makes candid Rafael Nadal confession ahead of Spaniard’s farewell

Iga Swiatek reveals she has “mixed feelings” over Rafael Nadal’s retirement and admits that she may not watch tennis matches anymore because her idol was “the only player” whose matches she used to follow.

On Friday, the Polish tennis star defeated Paula Badosa 6-3 6-7 (5) 6-1 in Malaga to complete Poland’s victory over Spain and proper her nation into the quarterfinal stage at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.

During her post-match press conference, the 23-year-old confirmed that she stumbled upon Nadal, who is also in Malaga and preparing for his last pro event at the Davis Cup Finals. However, there was no room for the two talk since it happened five minutes before Swiatek’s match.

“Honestly, he was the only player I watched, so I don’t know if I’m going to watch tennis at all now,” the five-time Grand Slam champion confessed in Malaga.

Swiatek: I’ll probably watch Nadal’s old matches

Last month, the Spanish tennis icon confirmed what many expected to happen – this was indeed his last season on the Tour. And since the Pole is in Malaga this week, she may get to watch her idol play in live one last time.

“I’m going to watch online his matches, because — you know, I don’t know. I have mixed feelings, because I’m happy that he can start a new chapter, and I’m happy that also he can have a nice finish here on Davis Cup, a tournament that he loves and in Spain, you know. But on the other hand, I really will miss watching him on court. Yeah, he’s a huge inspiration. Yeah, I have mixed feelings, for sure,” Swiatek said.

Meanwhile, Nadal confirmed on Friday that he will play singles at the Davis Cup Finals only if he feels he is ready to so and won’t risk compromizing his team’s chances.

On Tuesday, Spain plays against Netherlands in the quarterfinal.