Mental Coach Reveals How She Planned a Rafael Nadal Surprise for Iga Swiatek’s Birthday

Iga Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, is a vocal admirer of Rafael Nadal. On numerous occasions, the 20-year-old has talked about Rafa and this year, she got the chance to train with him during the French Open. Her psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, set up the training session for Swiatek’s birthday this year.

Recently, Daria talked about setting up the meeting between Iga and her idol, Nadal.

Iga Swiatek’s psychologist talks about setting up the surprise with Rafael Nadal

Iga Swiatek had a wonderful time training with her idol and one of the greatest players of all time, especially on clay.

“It was great. It wasn’t a surprise because I had to prepare. Write some small topics, not to have awkward silence. But Rafa is really, really great. He’s a really nice guy. Even though I am pretty introverted, it was really fun for me,” said Swiatek after the training session.

Champions Chat @iga_swiatek x @RafaelNadal #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/LjahCih4sU

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2021

Her psychologist was the brains behind the operation and opened up about planning the training session between Iga and Rafa. She expressed that Rafa’s willingness to participate in the surprise made things easier.

Daria Abramowicz said, “The idea for a gift and training with Rafa was born in Rome. I saw that she was watching Rafa’s training with great interest. Thought it would be a nice, inspiring surprise. The time was difficult because it was an important tournament, but Rafa was very eager.” 

PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 29: Winners of the 2020 French Open seven months ago, Rafael Nadal of Spain and Iga Swiatek of Poland practice together for 20 minutes on Court 5 – here with Carlos Moya, coach of Rafael Nadal (center) – ahead of the French Open 2021, Grand Slam tennis tournament at Roland-Garros stadium on May 29, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)

Both the players entered the French Open 2021 as defending champions, Iga having won her first last year and Rafa his record-extending 13th. Unfortunately, they were unable to retain their respective titles, Nadal bowed out in the semi-final against Novak Djokovic and the Pole was eliminated by Maria Sakkari in the quarter-final.

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Nadal’s return to the court

The 20-time Grand Slam winner, Rafael Nadal, has finally announced his return to a tennis court. The Spaniard was in rehabilitation since Washington Open in August, concerning a niggling foot injury.

He’s now fit enough to compete at the Mubadala world tennis championship in Abu Dhabi from 16th-18th of December. However, Nadal will skip the ATP Cup before competing at the Australian Open 2022.

ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal Applauds Compatriot Feliciano Lopez’s Epic Win Over Andrey Rublev at Davis Cup 2021

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