Iga Swiatek didn’t think that Pedro Cachin did anything wrong in asking Rafael Nadal for a shirt as the four-time Grand Slam champion funnily remarked she would probably do the same if she was in a position to do so.
After falling short to Nadal in a three-setter in the Madrid third round, 29-year-old Cachin stopped the Spaniard at the net to ask him if he could gift him something.
“Thank you very much! You’ve made my dream come true, thank you. I don’t know if this is protocol or not, but I wanted to ask you, could I keep your shirt or a towel or something?” Cachin asked Nadal at the net.
Pedro Cachin and Rafael Nadal © Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
To no one’s surprise, Nadal – who has always been known as one of the classiest players – made sure that Cachin would leave the court with at least something. While many loved the moment between Cachin and Nadal, there were some who criticized the Argentinian for his actions.
Swiatek on Cachin asking for Nadal’s shirt: I’d do the same
After sealing a 4-6 6-0 6-2 win over Beatriz Haddad Maia on Tuesday, Swiatek – who grew up idolizing Nadal – was asked to share her thoughts on Cachin’s actions.
“If I would play against Rafa, for sure I would ask for a T-shirt. But that’s not possible,” Swiatek said with a smile on her face.
Iga Swiatek © Getty Images Sport – Christian Kaspar-Bartke
On X, tennis commentator David Law wrote: “Sorry Pedro, asking for your opponent’s shirt at the net ain’t it.”
Many didn’t really agree with that take and Nick Kyrgios was also one of those people as the Australian wrote: “Why? NBA players, soccer players do it all the time? It’s a memory, an experience that took a life time of work and that less than 1% of humans get to. You wouldn’t understand.”
Since Kyrgios’ reaction drew attention to the post, that may be the reason why Swiatek was also asked for her opinion on the matter.
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