With Rafael Nadal just a phone call away, Iga Swiatek launched her Madrid Open campaign in typically dominant fashion, dispatching Ukraine's Daria Snigur 6-1 6-2 in the first round. The former world number one has endured a challenging start to the season, prompting a change in her coaching setup. She parted ways with Wim Fissette and enlisted Francisco Roig, a longtime member of Nadal's team who has also worked with Emma Raducanu and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Training at Nadal's Academy
Swiatek, a devoted fan of Nadal growing up, admitted to feeling somewhat giddy after spending a training block at the Spaniard's academy in Majorca. During her stay, she received coaching advice from the 22-time Grand Slam champion, though he holds no formal role in her team. Speaking after her victory, Swiatek said: "I don't know if he's watching or not, I know he's super busy, even more busy I think than when he played. We're not in constant touch but I know I can always ask him anything if I want, so this is really comforting and it also shows how good of a person he is."
Service Motion Overhaul
The biggest change Swiatek has made since linking up with Roig is to her service motion, which yielded positive results against Snigur. "Today I felt like this was it and I just need to keep doing that, keep focusing on it and remembering the right movement," said the fourth seed, who won her only title in Madrid two years ago. "A week in Majorca is not enough for the body to remember the movement. Today for sure was a step forward." Swiatek had not advanced beyond the quarter-finals of any tournament this season, with her first event under Roig resulting in a last-eight exit in Stuttgart last week.
Sabalenka Also Advances
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, also progressed to the third round after a hard-fought 7-5 6-3 victory over Peyton Stearns in her first clay-court match of the season. Sabalenka took three weeks off after winning the Miami Open and completing the Sunshine Double, and she admitted to feeling a little rusty.
Swiatek Reacts to WTA CEO Departure
Meanwhile, Swiatek expressed disappointment at the news that Portia Archer has stepped down as WTA chief executive after less than two years in the role. "I was surprised," said the Pole. "I really don't know why now. We always had a good relationship, I felt like she listened to what we had to say and was really open-minded."
