Australian Open: Iga Swiatek on meeting Rafael Nadal & being a role model

Poland's Iga Swiatek, who shot to fame by winning the 2020 French Open title as a 19-year-old, is the latest WTA Tour star to feature in a BBC Sport column.

After beating Russia's Daria Kasatkina on Saturday to reach the Australian Open last 16, Swiatek talks about meeting her idol Rafael Nadal, becoming a role model herself and how she aims to help youngsters in Poland through charity work.

I have never considered myself as a role model. I have only been on tour for three years and I'm still at the very beginning of my career, so it is hard to think of myself that way.

But I meet kids — particularly in Poland — that are really excited when they see me. That gives extra motivation and inspires me.

It's strange because I remember when I was their age — it was not that long ago!

It is really great I can make their day somehow and I really like that. I remember getting autographs myself at a WTA tournament in Warsaw where I was a ball kid.

I still have all the autographs, I think they are maybe in the attic. I was a ball girl at a Caroline Wozniacki match which was cool because she has Polish roots and she was one of the best players in the world.

I remember when I was throwing that ball to her I was really stressed that it would not reach her! But it was so exciting. I had never been at a top sports event like that and seeing the best players so close made my year.

When I see these kids are excited to see me, I'm still sometimes surprised. I'm not used to it yet. When I'm just living my life at home I'm just Iga and the same person I was a few years ago.

Of course I've changed because I'm growing up and developing as a person and a player. But I have the same values and treat myself the same way.

You may have heard I'm a big fan