By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday May 29, 2021
Yesterday in Paris, we learned that Iga Swiatek hadn’t had the chances to speak to Rafael Nadal for advice about defending the Roland-Garros title.
Also Read: Swiatek and Gauff Can’t Hide their Inner Nadal Fangirl
Today in Paris, Swiatek got something even better: a hit with the King of Clay.
Il lui a dit bonjour jeudi et elle était trop impressionnée pour lui répondre. Aujourd’hui Iga Swiatek tape la balle avec Rafael Nadal à l’entraînement. #RolandGarros #RG2021 pic.twitter.com/r7leDbSVma
— Tiffany Henne (@TiffanyHenne) May 29, 2021
That hit happened after the pair engaged in a “champion’s chat on Saturday.
Champions Chat 🤜🤛@iga_swiatek x @RafaelNadal #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/LjahCih4sU
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2021
Nadal, seeded third at Roland-Garros this year, had a 30-minute warmup on Court 5, before hit with Aslan Karatsev on Chatrier at 11:00. He then jumped over to Court 5 to for a 4:00 session. He will face Alexei Popyrin in the first round.
Swiatek, who will face her good friend Kaja Juvan in the opening round, was slated to hit with Angelique Kerber on Court 8 on Saturday.