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Hubert Hurkacz jokingly revealed that he doesn't think that Iga Swiatek having Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty's phone numbers is something extraordinary. Swiatek, the top-ranked player on the WTA Tour, has spoken numerous times about her admiration for Nadal.
Hurkacz, who is Swiatek's teammate at the inaugural United Cup, decided to give the world No 1 a friendly roast after her latest mention of Nadal. "Who here do you think has the best celebrity phone number in their cell phone," the producer asked the Polish United Cup team.
After one member of the Polish team pointed to Swiatek, the world No 1 said: "I mean, I have Barty and Rafa's, so I feel like...yeah." Hurkacz then interrupted Swiatek as he said: "I mean seriously, that's tennis players, come on, everybody has..."
watching Hubi nicely call someone out is a weirdly shocking and exhilarating https://t.co/sNH0ZahX8I — Blair Henley (@BlairHenley) December 30, 2022
Hurkacz roasted Swiatek following the latest mention of Nadal, Barty
Swiatek, 21, grew up watching and idolizing Nadal.
Swiatek, who is now a three-time Grand Slam champion and the best player in the women's game, finds Nadal's humble demeanor as one of the best things about the Spaniard. "Oh my God, he has basically inspired me in every aspect, both on court and off court.
He's so humble and down to earth. He's the kind of guy who is always saying 'Hi' and it's amazing because it seems like the success didn't change him and he's still the same great person," Swiatek said of Nadal in June. After Barty announced a shock retirement from tennis in March, Swiatek replaced her at the top spot.
This week, Swiatek showed respect for Barty as she admitted that the former three-time Grand Slam champion inspired her to work harder on her game. "Maybe this week we are going to be able to meet and I’m going to say it straight to her [Barty], but she really inspired me to work harder.
Her different game style made me realise that there is always room for improvement. Even right now I feel like there is a lot I can change and improve and I’m pretty excited that even when I had such a nice season this year I can do some different stuff," Swiatek said of Barty this week.