World No.1 Iga Swiatek admitted that having a chance to play mixed doubles with Rafael Nadal was “pretty amazing” experience. Just a couple of days before the start of the final Grand Slam of the season, the US Open organizers organized a charity event for Ukraine.
Swiatek, Nadal, and several other top players participated in an event that had the goal of raising funds and money for Ukraine. Swiatek, who grew up watching and idolizing Nadal, had a chance to play mixed doubles with the record 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Swiatek on playing mixed doubles with Nadal
“It was pretty amazing,” Swiatek told Vogue. “We already played singles a couple of years ago at Roland Garros, which was a birthday gift from my team actually. [Laughs.] But it was pretty amazing being on the same side of the court playing doubles, and especially for such a great cause—being able to use our voices together to help people is pretty amazing.
It was kind of a moment where I stopped for a little bit and thought about what a long journey it has been to get here, and getting to do that is really a dream come true. Rafa is such a great person on and off the court and he has inspired me so much, especially this season when I watched his final at the Australian Open.
It really gave me extra motivation and even more grit on court when I really needed that, so I’m grateful to have been able to spend some time around Rafa too.” For Swiatek, this year’s US Open was a great one.
After playing mixed doubles with Nada, Swiatek captured her third Grand Slam title at the US Open. Now, Swiatek has two French Open titles and one US Open title. Swiatek now needs an Australian Open and Wimbledon title to complete a Career Grand Slam.
