LONDON: Rafael Nadal's stock on the WTA Tour is growing rapidly. While Iga Swiatek, in the midst of the hottest streak in tennis, is the bonafide champion, US Open winner Emma Raducanu, who sported Nadal tees at Wimbledon, said the Spaniard embodies the fight.
American sensation Coco Gauff, wise beyond her years, is star-struck around the greats of the game. At Roland Garros, Nadal stopped to congratulate Gauff on her run into the final, but by the time the 18-year-old steadied herself, he was halfway down the hallway. "I was so shocked that he actually said 'good job' to me!" she said.
Nadal thought, with a little improvement, Gauff was multi Slam winning material. "I like the way that she talks to the crowd, to the press at the end of matches. She's fresh. She's natural. Very mature," Nadal said.
"She's a fighter, she fights for every ball. Even when she's not playing that well, she keeps fighting till the end, running for every ball. If she's able just to improve a little bit with this physical performance, we'll be talking about the multi-Grand Slam winner."
Nadal's friendship with Swiatek is endearing, the 22-time major winner texted the Pole a couple of times on her inspirational run. "It's unbelievable the way she's able to hold her concentration and the winning spirit for such a long time," he said.
