Iga Swiatek has appointed Francisco Roig as her new coach, following her separation from Wim Fissette last month. Roig, who spent 16 years in Rafael Nadal's coaching team across 22 grand slam titles, had been working with Swiatek at Nadal's academy in Manacor prior to the appointment.
The world number four and four-time French Open champion is seeking to regain form ahead of the clay-court season after a turbulent run of results. Roig was previously let go by Emma Raducanu after her second-round exit at the Australian Open in January, amid disagreements over playing style.
Raducanu stated that her “natural way of playing” had been “coached out of me” after Roig attempted to adjust her forehand. The British player has since opted not to hire a full-time coach, preferring input from multiple voices to avoid pressure and scrutiny.
Swiatek, meanwhile, views Roig as a natural fit given her heavy topspin game and preference for clay, which is heavily influenced by her idol Nadal. She split with Fissette after a first-round defeat at the Miami Open, announcing a need to “take a different path” while keeping the rest of her team intact.
