'My idol' - Iga Swiatek says she is taking inspiration from Rafa Nadal as she weighs up her future

Iga Swiatek says Rafa Nadal's approach to tennis is what she plans to model her career on. The 20-year-old Pole — who became No. 1 last month following the retirement of Ash Barty — has sparkled so far in 2022, landing a stunning sunshine double by winning Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back.

Ad/> She now goes into the clay-court season — her favourite surface — as one of the leading contenders to win what would be her second Roland Garros title after her first in 2020. ATP MadridNadal targeting Madrid return as uncle Toni confirms ‘he intends to play’16 HOURS AGO And legendary Spaniard Nadal — who holds the most majors in the men's game with 21 — is the person Swiatek is looking to mimic as she eyes longer-term success. Speaking to Eurosport France, Swiatek said: «Mostly, [I see my career plan as] like Rafa.

I feel closest to this approach. I want to focus on my day-to-day work. It's important, it's the most clear situation for me.

»If I start thinking about records, or 'I want to be the first in this, the first to do that', it's not good for me. I don't want to be like I'm always chasing something. «So focus on the day-by-day, the next match.

It helps me to stay calm. Don't waste energy on other stuff. Clay power rankings: Who can topple Swiatek, Djokovic? Is Swiatek v Osaka the next big rivalry in tennis? »But everyone is different so I can also understand Novak [Djokovic's] way [of openly declaring which records he wants to break].

«A lot of things have already happened especially in the last couple of weeks so I need to stay focussed on the next tournament. »If I think about the whole season, it will be a little bit too much for me. I need to stay calm." /> Swiatek — who goes into this week's Stuttgart Open on a