“This is life on the Tour. It’s crazy to be in Madrid, pack your bags after that final and come to Rome. I’m happy to be here, because I love this place.
I trained this morning and it’s definitely a challenge to adapt to the playing conditions. I celebrate one day, then in my head I’m ready to go again for another tournament. This time I wanted to celebrate because I fought so hard to win.”
At the media day of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, Iga Swiatek talked about the imminent start of the tournament and the sensations she is feeling from the victory in Madrid to today.
“I don’t expect to be fresh in Rome. I was more tired at the start of the Stuttgart tournament than the final in Madrid. It will depend on how the matches go. I know that if I were to progress in the tournament, I would still have some free days where I could also don’t train.
We will plan things differently than last season because we are worried. I love this tournament, the different sensations it manages to convey. The nature around us, the fans. They are everywhere here and very noisy. I feel comfortable on these courts,” she analyzed.
Iga Swiatek © Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
Swiatek then shared beautiful words about the legacy of Rafael Nadal (his sporting idol). The Pole also talked about the numerous injuries that are affecting the ATP Tour.
“Nadal’s legacy is immense. It is something he has built over the years and it is difficult to even imagine. He is certainly a model to follow. Seeing him play in Paris is always special for everyone. I’m sure that right now he is really determined in every tournament.
About the injuries of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, I think overall tennis has become more challenging as a sport. We are also focused on improving our physicality.
Sometimes for this reason you try to do prevention. It’s difficult to compare men’s clay court tennis to hard court tennis. I’m not an expert and I can’t say why injuries have increased.
However, due to the length of the tournaments, I believe the Tour is much more challenging. This also applies to the WTA Tour,” she explained.
Rafael Nadal, Madrid 2024© Clive Brunskill / Staff – Getty Images Sport
Iga seeks his 3rd triumph in Rome, after the disappointment of 2023
Last year the Italian Open in Rome was not a lucky tournament for Iga Swiatek.
The WTA No.1 was forced to withdraw due to a right knee problem during the third set of the match for access to the semi-finals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia against Elena Rybakina, then winner of the title
The Pole triumphed in 2021 and 2022 in Rome, leaving just one set on the way. Suffice it to say that Iga lost only two matches at the Foro Italico, including last year’s match.
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