'He’s a huge inspiration for sure,' Iga Swiatek hails her only ‘idol’ Rafael Nadal for playing tennis again

She’s also a two-time Italian Open champion and has continued with her clay form after winning the Madrid Open last week. In Rome, she defeated Yulia Putintseva 6-3, 6-4 to reach the round of 16 in an hour and 46 minutes. The victory also sees her continue her eight-match winning streak.

The 22-year-old has played in two clay tournaments, with Rome being her third. She has reached one semifinal and won the other. She will be hoping to become the third woman to win the Madrid Open and Rome Masters. After beating Putintseva she was asked who she supported to win between Nadal and Hubert Hurkacz, which the Spaniard later lost.

He’s a huge inspiration for sure. I talk about it every time because he’s basically the only idol I ever had in my life. It’s great that he’s back to play some tennis. It’s a tricky match cause he’s playing Hubi. I’m not gonna cheer for anybody. Iga Swiatek said after the game

Meanwhile, Swiatek will face Angelique Kerber in the round of 16 as she hopes to win her third Rome title.

Hubert Hurkacz ends Rafael Nadal’s run in Rome Masters

Hours after Iga Swiatek’s victory, Rafael Nadal fell to a disappointing defeat against World No.9 Hubert Hurkacz in the second round of the Rome Masters. The Polish star brought Nadal’s illustrious presence in Rome to a close with an emphatic straight set 6-1, 6-3 victory in just 93 minutes.

Nadal was hoping to continue his encouraging clay start following his round of 16 exit in Madrid. But, that failed to materialize as Hurkacz’s big serving and high-powered groundstrokes were too much for the 37-year-old.

The disappointing result now places a doubt on his participation at the French Open. The 2024 edition starts on May 20.