Nadal, with Djokovic’s congratulations, and Swiatek lead the way at the end of the Academy

Rafael Nadal reappeared in public this Wednesday leading the Rafa Nadal Academy of Movistar class of 2023 graduation. The Balearic tennis player was joined by the new Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek to encourage and congratulate the students graduating this year.

congrats on that nadal He united, in the last part of his speech, the champions of Roland Garros 2023. Effusive is what he dedicated to Novak Djokovic. “I want to congratulate Novak for achieving something that has never been achieved in men’s tennis before.. These are numbers that seem impossible and he has accomplished them. Congratulations Novak for achieving something so difficult and so competitive“, declared the Spaniard.

Previously, Nadal thanked the students and their families for their trust in the center that bears his name and emphasized the importance of education. “Now I understand better, because I became a father a few months ago. Thank you for giving us the most important thing in your life, your children.”was taught.

Nadal wanted to praise the importance of teachers in the education system and advised young students with clear references to the values ​​that marked his career. “Sometimes changes are difficult to assume and doubts arise, but they are good. They make us stay awake and improve in every way. You are where you are because you made an effort, you believed in yourself and you let yourself be helped”, he pointed out.There will be times that will continue to be difficult, but hopefully you will come out prepared and with the right tools to face the future. I’m in favor of things learned from everyday examples”, he explained.

Nadal wants to advise the youth. “Give each other chances, don’t get frustrated when things don’t work out the first time. Keep giving each other chances”, was pointed out. “I can talk here about what I have experienced in my career. I have had many joys but also difficult moments with injuries and defeats. The only thing I have done well is to continue giving myself opportunities”, he closed.

The inspiration of Iga Swiatek

Nadal thanked the presence of swiatek on the spot and a hole in his schedule three days after winning Roland Garros. “You have always been a great example and You treated me and the Academy with so much love. It’s a privilege to be with you”, he dedicated to the triple champion in Paris.

Clearly nervous in the presence of his idol, Swiatek took up the gloves with a speech about the phrase carved into the flame of the champions at Roland Garros. ‘Victory belongs to the most tenacious’ (“Victory belongs to the most tenacious”), says Philippe Chatrier’s motto. “I know what it’s like to work hard for years and get something you’ve worked so hard for”Iga started.

Swiatek highlighted the example of Rafa Nadal at the beginning of his speech. “Rafa epitomizes what tenacity is and has always been an example for meto not give up. I always feel that I have to improve when I play on the court, that I have to look for perfection. The important thing is to focus on the process and give one hundred percent,” advised Iga. “If you succeed and focus your time on doing things as well as possible, you will have no regrets”is added.

Swiatek also highlighted the need to overcome obstacles. “I became a fan of Rafa because of the way he finds a way to fight them. He always inspired me and I hope you can have that tenacity,” explained the four-time Grand Slam champion.

Another aspect that the number 1 refers to is the environment. “I want to thank your family, teachers and staff at the Academy for making this place special. Parents and the environment are the people we need to support us every day. Successful people have good people around them and have the right support.. I hope that whatever you do in the future, in tennis or in other fields, you will find the right people around you,” Swiatek said.

Iga closed his speech by referring to the need to communicate and know oneself. “Keep an open mind. When I was young I had a hard time talking about how I felt or what I wanted to achieve. I started working on myself. I think it made me a better person.”is added.

Swiatek has already closed the turn of the parliaments of the first bloc with one of his usual jokes. “I hope I can join you by throwing the students’ hats, because when I graduated I couldn’t do it because of COVID.“, he pointed out between laughs.