PARIS — The hallowed clay of Court Philippe-Chatrier has long been Rafael Nadal’s domain, but even in his absence from this year’s French Open, his influence loomed large. Two of the tournament’s top contenders, Iga Swiatek and Paula Badosa, revealed how Nadal’s legacy inspired their opening-round victories—right down to studying his footprints on the clay.
Swiatek’s Nadal-Inspired Routine
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, a three-time Roland Garros champion, admitted she couldn’t resist channeling Nadal’s pre-match ritual. "The first thing I did was look to his footprint," Swiatek said after her 6-1, 6-2 demolition of qualifier Leolia Jeanjean. "I always check where he warms up, where he stands. It’s like a little superstition now—if I step where he did, maybe some of his magic will rub off."
Swiatek, who has often cited Nadal as a role model, even mimicked his meticulous water-bottle alignment. "I don’t go as far as the sock-straightening," she joked, "but the routines help me focus. Rafa’s discipline is something I try to bring into my game."
By the Numbers: Swiatek’s Dominance
Swiatek’s stats mirrored Nadal’s trademark ruthlessness:
- Won 89% of first-serve points
- Converted 5 of 7 break points
- Lost just 3 games in 58 minutes
Badosa’s Emotional Tribute
Paula Badosa, who battled past Katerina Siniaková 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-4, fought back tears discussing Nadal’s impact. "I grew up watching him suffer and triumph here. Today, when I was down in the second set, I thought, ‘What would Rafa do?’"
Badosa, a former world No. 2, revealed she rewatched Nadal’s 2022 final against Casper Ruud before her match. "His intensity, the way he claws back—it’s timeless. Even now, when I’m struggling, I ask myself, ‘Would Rafa give up?’ The answer is always no."
The Footprint Phenomenon
Both players admitted to studying the indentations Nadal leaves on Chatrier’s baseline. "You can see where he pushes off," Badosa noted. "It’s like a map of his heart. I stepped there today, and suddenly, I believed."
Swiatek agreed: "It’s not just about technique. It’s about legacy. When you see those marks, you remember: this is where greatness happened."
Nadal’s Shadow and the Next Generation
With Nadal sidelined by injury, this year’s French Open marks the first since 2004 without the 14-time champion. Yet, his ethos endures. Swiatek and Badosa’s victories underscored how his blueprint—relentless defense, heavy topspin, and mental fortitude—has shaped a new era.
Swiatek’s coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, summed it up: "Rafa didn’t just win here; he rewired how players think on clay. Iga’s drop shot? That’s her innovation. But the grit, the patience? That’s pure Nadal."
As the tournament progresses, Nadal’s absence is palpable, but his fingerprints—literally and figuratively—remain. For Swiatek and Badosa, that’s more than enough motivation. "He’s still with us," Badosa said. "Just in a different way."