How Rafael Nadal could make surprise appearance at French Open and why Iga Swiatek might benefit from legend's presence

Swiatek reflected on the experience at Nadal’s tennis academy in Mallorca as a ”privilege and an inspiring time” - and TNT Sports expert Mats Wilander thinks she will reap the benefits in Paris.

”Obviously we've heard over the years that Iga Swiatek was such a huge, huge fan of Rafael Nadal, and I think that the style that she played her clay court tennis a few years back when she was dominating, was kind of reminiscent of the way Rafa played on the clay court, and I think she's trying to get back to that,” he said.

”But it's not only a physical thing, it's also a mental thing. Are you willing to play slightly more passive? Are you willing to allow players to play more offensive against you and rely on your best skills, which are the defensive skills just like Rafael Nadal had his defensive skills?”

Nadal - who retired from the sport in 2024 - holds the record for victories at Roland-Garros, having won 14 times there.

For him to be involved in the build-up to this year’s Grand Slam excites Wilander.

”I mean, I love it. I love it that Rafael Nadal is still so involved emotionally that he's willing to do that. I am dying for the day that we see Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer and, at some point, Novak Djokovic, but Novak is already helping out the young players.”

Wilander’s dream to see the best players of recent times coaching the next generation will come true this summer with one of Britain’s greatest ever players teaming up with one of the country’s most exciting talents.

”We're obviously going to see Andy Murray help out Jack Draper during the grass court season and it just tells you the love for the sport that the big four still has is incredible.

”If they can help the game being pushed forwards the way that Rafa is trying to help Iga, I mean we're just all better for it, and I do think that it's going to pay off.

”I do think that two weeks is going to help Iga Swiatek. Are we going to see Rafael Nadal in Paris maybe if she gets to the semis or the final? I hope so."

Swiatek has not won a tournament since the Korea Open last September but Wilander thinks she remains one of the favourites in Paris.

”She's definitely in that first tier of players that can win the French Open," he said.

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TNT Sports is the exclusive French Open broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. Coverage of every court will be available to stream live on HBO Max