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<\/p>\nDanielle Collins shares her thoughts on Iga Swiatek\u2019s decision to meet with Rafael Nadal<\/p>\n
Not many athletes can pick up the phone and reach out to Rafael Nadal for advice when things aren\u2019t going their way, but Iga Swiatek has that rare option.<\/p>\n
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Swiatek is one of the most successful products of Nadal\u2019s academy and has built a reputation as one of the sport\u2019s best clay-court players over the past few seasons.<\/p>\n
Still, she hasn\u2019t looked herself recently. The 2026 season hasn\u2019t offered much relief either, as her struggles have continued into the new year.<\/p>\n
Turning to a 22-time Grand Slam winner isn\u2019t a bad way to try to get back on track. Danielle Collins believes it could be exactly what Swiatek needs to find her old self again.<\/p>\n
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Photo by Robert Prange\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Danielle Collins gives her view on Swiatek training with Rafael Nadal<\/p>\n
While speaking to Tennis Channel after seeing footage of Swiatek working out with Nadal, the American was asked which tennis icon she would have liked to train with.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI mean, Rafa would be up there. You know, who knows? Maybe Iga will invite me out to Spain, and we can do a little training block together. That\u2019d be so fun,\u201d Collins said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut no, I think if I had an idol, I think I would probably go with \u2013 I mean, I love Rafa \u2013 but I got to say Jimmy Connors because Jimmy Connors and I kind of have a similar game. We\u2019re both fiery personalities. \u201cI feel like he has the experience and the expertise to deal with a personality like me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd aside from that, we would have a ton of fun off the court, and it would just be good memories both on and off the court.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cYeah, and I think when you\u2019ve had the success that Iga Swiatek has had, especially at a young age, and all the Grand Slams, all of the impressive feats on her resume, the only person that you can work with at this point is somebody that\u2019s been at the highest, highest, highest level because you\u2019ve been at that level.<\/p>\n
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\u201cSo it\u2019s going to be scary for everybody on tour to see what\u2019s next for Iga Swiatek with this new coaching partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rafael Nadal sends a message to Iga Swiatek following their training session<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t a long message, but Rafael Nadal made sure to welcome Iga Swiatek back to his academy after they spent time together on court.<\/p>\n
He posted: \u201c[Iga Swiatek] welcome back to the Rafa Nadal Academy! Enjoy your time here! We hope you feel at home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Swiatek has always felt comfortable on clay, and she knows her way around the academy well.<\/p>\n
With the Stuttgart Open marking the start of her clay-court campaign, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if her time with Nadal pays off early in the season.<\/p>\n
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