By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday June 14, 2023
The King and Queen of Clay were united today at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, as three-time Roland-Garros champion Iga Swiatek joined 14-time RG champ Rafael Nadal at the Nadal Academy commencement ceremony.
Swiatek gave the keynote speech to the group of 50 graduates, which included 2022 US Open Girls’ champion Alexendra Eala of the Philippines.
Nadal paid tribute to Swiatek during his remarks, saying: "Honestly, for us it's a huge privilege to have you here today. I know that everybody here at the Academy, the students especially, appreciate your efforts, that after winning Roland Garros you are here inspiring all the kids."
And Swiatek had some choice Roland-Garros related remarks for the kids of the class of 2023.
“I hope no matter what you do in the future years, if you're going to give 100 percent,” The 22-year-old said. “If you're going to dedicate your focus and time to do it the best way possible, no matter what the result is going to be I'm sure that you'll have no regrets at the end."
In a funny moment, Swiatek also asked for a cap so that she could throw hers in the air along with the students due to the fact that her high school graduation was held during the pandemic.