Australian Olympic swimming champion Ariarne Titmus shares why she is a huge tennis fan in our Celebrity Match series.
Brisbane, Australia, 12 September 2024 | Leigh Rogers
Ariarne Titmus is an Australian swimming champion.
The 24-year-old won four medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, including gold in the 200-metre freestyle and 400-metre freestyle events. She also won silver in the 800-metre freestyle event and a bronze in the 200-metre freestyle relay.
Titmus claimed another four medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, defending her 400-metre freestyle title and winning gold in the 200-metre freestyle relay. She also claimed silver medals in the 200-metre freestyle and 800-metre freestyle events.
Now one of Australia’s most accomplished Olympians, the world record holder is an avid tennis fan too.
Titmus, who grew up in Tasmania and now lives in Queensland, was thrilled when Rafael Nadal made his competitive return at the Brisbane International earlier this year and attended all of his matches.
The swimming superstar talks about her love for tennis, and especially the Spanish champion, in our Celebrity Match series …
Tell us about your tennis experience. Have you played before?
I have a funny story. To get a good grade in PE (Physical Education) in Year 12, I had to pass a tennis term and I’m pretty sure my teacher gave me a C just because he liked me, not because of my tennis ability. I’m very un-coordinated and definitely not made for land, but I love watching tennis.
What is your earliest tennis memory?
My family is very sport-orientated and I grew up watching the Australian Open on TV. I became obsessed with Rafa when I was younger. His fight and determination is something that I aspire to have. Even though he’s not a swimmer, he’s definitely my sporting idol. Having someone like him to follow, it makes you more in tune with the sport.
What is your favourite tennis memory?
I’d say my favourite tennis memory is meeting Rafa at the Australian Open in 2022. I got to sit in his player’s box with his family and his team. That was just an unreal experience. Do you know what the best part about it was? I realised he and his family are just like me. They’re very down-to-earth people who have worked hard to get where they are. Him and I share common goals in our careers too, so that was very humbling to see.
Rafael Nadal takes a selfie with Ariarne Titmus after they exchanged signed competitive…
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