Iga Swiatek had a lot of fun when she joined forces with Rafael Nadal to talk to the graduates of the Rafa Nadal Academy.
The World No.1 and recent Roland Garros champion, recently delivered an inspiring commencement speech at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain. Swiatek, a four-time major champion, took to the podium not just to inspire the graduates, but also to share her tennis journey and the role that tenacity plays in her success.
Swiatek has been a role model for many young tennis players around the world, and her invitation to the academy was a testament to her influence on the sport. In her speech, she credited the tenacity of fellow tennis pro and the academy's namesake, Rafael Nadal, as a major influence on her career. She spoke about the quote she saw at Roland Garros.
"For the last few weeks, I've been looking at one quote at Roland Garros in Paris. On Philippe Chatrier Stadium it's written 'The victory belongs to the most tenacious.'"
Nadal also showed great respect to the three-time Roland Garros champion, and thanked her for coming to the graduation of the Rafa Nadal Academy. The 22-time Grand Slam champion called her presence a privilege and appreciated the Pole's efforts.
"Honestly, for us it's a huge privilege to have you here today. I know that everybody here at the Academy, the students especially, appreciate your efforts, that after winning Roland Garros you are here inspiring all the kids."
In a heartwarming turn of events, Swiatek requested to join the graduates in the iconic cap toss, a tradition she missed out on due to her own graduation occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. The academy happily obliged, presenting Swiatek with a royal blue mortarboard and tassel to match those of the graduates.
Swiatek moved her tassel from right to left, symbolizing her transition from student to graduate, and joined in throwing her cap in the air, a triumphant symbol of graduation that dates back to the early 20th century.
"If I could borrow one of the hats and throw it in the air that would be so cool because when I graduated it was during COVID, so I got only an online graduation."
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