Rafael Nadal may not be swinging his racket this year at Roland Garros, but his presence at Court Philippe Chatrier continues to inspire greatness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While the result may appear routine on paper, it came on the back of a period of uncharacteristic struggle for the Polish star \u2014 and in her own words, the mere sight of Nadal during Sunday\u2019s tribute ceremony helped her rediscover some of that lost fire.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEven when he\u2019s not playing, just him being here yesterday inspired me a lot,\u201d Swiatek said after the match. \u201cThanks, Rafa.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Swiatek, who is aiming for her fifth French Open crown in just six years, entered the tournament ranked fifth in the world \u2014 her lowest position since 2020. It\u2019s also the first time in five years that she arrived in Paris without winning a WTA title in the season\u2019s opening five months.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yet as she stood on the same clay where Nadal built his empire, Swiatek found more than just her rhythm. She found motivation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI knew the cameras were on Carlos [Alcaraz] behind me so I needed to be brave, but seeing Rafa crying makes me more emotional,\u201d she reflected on the ceremony. \u201cIt\u2019s great the tennis world could show their appreciation. He is a huge inspiration.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Against world number 42 Sramkova, Swiatek was pushed early. Her signature fast start didn\u2019t come as easily this time. She had to dig deep to hold her opening service game and didn\u2019t fully settle until stringing together the final three games of the first set.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Even then, Sramkova landed a blow, breaking the three-time champion to begin the second set. But Swiatek responded in kind \u2014 levelling at 3-3 before breaking again and reeling off three straight games to wrap up the match in one hour and 35 minutes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The win sets up a second-round showdown against Britain\u2019s Emma Raducanu, who also came through a gruelling three-set battle earlier in the day.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Swiatek has often cited Nadal as her clay-court hero, and Monday\u2019s performance bore the hallmarks of his influence \u2014 resilience, patience, and intensity in the face of early adversity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The win sets up a second-round showdown against Britain\u2019s Emma Raducanu, who also came through a gruelling three-set battle earlier in the day.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n