French Open 2025: Iga Swiatek inspired by Rafael Nadal as title defence begins

Iga Swiatek said she was “inspired a lot” by seeing Rafael Nadal on Court Philippe Chatrier once again as she began her French Open title defence with victory over Rebecca Sramkova.

The three-time defending champion claimed her 22nd successive French Open match win as she beat Slovakia’s Sramkova 6-3 6-3 on the main court in Paris.

Swiatek, bidding for a fifth French Open title in six years, has suffered a downturn in form in recent months and dropped to fifth in the world rankings.

For the first time since 2020, she arrives at the clay-court major without winning a WTA title in the first five months of the season.

The Pole, along with defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz, were in the crowd for a tribute ceremony to 14-time champion Nadal on Sunday.

“I knew the cameras were on Carlos [Alcaraz] behind me so I needed to be brave, but seeing Rafa crying makes me more emotional,” Swiatek said.

“It’s great the tennis world could show their appreciation and tell Rafa we are really thankful for everything he did. He is a huge inspiration.

“Even when he’s not playing, even him being here yesterday inspired me a lot. Thanks Rafa.”