Iga Swiatek downplayed clay comparisons with Rafael Nadal after the Pole cruised to round two of the ongoing Roland Garros 2024 saying the comparisons with the Spaniard are “premature”.
Swiatek, who will turn 23, defeated Leolia Jeanjean 6-1, 6-2 comfortably in her first match of the French Open and will face Naomi Osama in her second-round match on Wednesday.
She was in attendance during Nadal’s first-round match against Alexander Zverev where the Spaniard lost in straight sets and ended his journey at his favourite slam.
Nadal is widely considered the King of Clay because of his impeccable record on the surface, the French Open specifically. In 116 matches played at Roland Garros, the Spaniard only lost four times including Monday’s defeat.
Swiatek has often been called “the closest thing to Nadal” but the Pole isn’t ready to claim the title of the “Queen of Clay” as she still believes that she doesn’t deserve that.
"I think it is too early for me (to be called the Queen of Clay). For sure, I am proud of this achievement and this has always been my favourite surface, it's where tennis for me gives the most pleasure. For sure I will be watching Rafa's match, but comparing me to him, I don't think I am at that level yet,” Swiatek while speaking in her on-court interview with Marion Bartoli.
"I still have many things to prove. He's great person and a great athlete and he has shown that for many, many years. I am just at the beginning, so I will do my best to take my lessons from him and be a good person and a good player."
It is worth mentioning that Nadal won the French Open 14 times, which is the most by any player in the tournament’s history. The closest to him in the Open Era is Sweden’s Bjorn Borg who won the title six times.
Meanwhile, Swiatek has won the Roland Garros three times in her career so far including the last two titles in 2022 and 2023.
