Admiring Pegula praises Swiatek: "She was inspired by Rafael Nadal".
World No. 5 Jessica Pegula reflects on the level of tennis offered by the player who has been walking the WTA circuit, particularly on clay, for at least two years. Having not played since April and her team's victory in the Billie Jean King Cup, Pegula spoke to NBC Sports. Having missed out on the French Open, the American explained that she hopes to make a comeback on grass.
Asked about the state of the WTA Tour, the 30-year-old dwelt on the Swiatek case. A little like Garcia recently, the right-hander showed herself to be a great admirer of her rival, particularly on ochre: "Yes, I've played her on clay and on hard and I preferred her on hard (smiles). She's a clay-court player. That's what she plays on.
She was inspired by Rafael Nadal. He was her idol. So, her lifting strokes, her athletic qualities and her ability to transform defense into attack, all come from him. I think that's something special. And on clay, she has more time to do it. It suits her game, with its heavy lifts. She plays more like a man, to be honest."
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