Swiatek Appoints Francisco Roig as Coach Ahead of French Open
Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek has announced that she will be working with Francisco Roig, the former coach of Rafael Nadal and Emma Raducanu, as she aims to improve her inconsistent form in 2026.
Poland's Swiatek has faced challenges this year, exiting both the Australian Open and Indian Wells tournaments at the quarter-final stage. The 24-year-old player generally performs better on clay courts, having secured four of her six Grand Slam titles at the French Open. In preparation for the upcoming event in Paris next month, she has enlisted Roig's expertise.
Swiatek confirmed the new partnership via Instagram, stating:
"welcome to the team, Francisco! Very excited for this new chapter"
Currently ranked world number four, Swiatek began training with Roig at Rafael Nadal's academy in Majorca this week as she shifts focus to the clay-court season. Nadal was present during their sessions, providing direct advice to Swiatek as she seeks to regain the dominance that led to her four French Open titles between 2020 and 2025.
Background on Francisco Roig and Coaching Changes
Francisco Roig, from Spain, coached Emma Raducanu for five months between 2025 and 2026 but is best known for his 17-year tenure with 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal. Swiatek had previously worked with Wim Fissette, who helped her achieve her first Wimbledon title in July 2025. However, they parted ways following Swiatek's first-round loss at the Miami Open in March 2026.
Swiatek experienced significant highs with Fissette, including her Wimbledon triumph, but also endured setbacks such as being 'bageled'—losing a set 6-0—in her quarter-final defeat by Aryna Sabalenka at the 2025 French Open.
Why Swiatek Turned to Roig – Analysis
Swiatek has frequently sought advice from Nadal, one of the greatest players in tennis history, and reached out to him last month to discuss her coaching situation after parting ways with Fissette. Nadal recommended Francisco Roig, a key member of his team throughout all 22 of his Grand Slam victories.
Roig collaborated with Nadal's principal coaches—his uncle Toni Nadal and later Carlos Moya—and was credited with the technical adjustments Nadal made during his career to maintain his top position in the sport.
In a recent interview with Polish media, Swiatek expressed her desire to return to being:
"a rock on the court"
This approach involves avoiding the wild, aggressive hitting she has displayed under pressure in recent months. Instead, she aims to regain stability at the baseline, consistently returning balls to force opponents into mistakes or to move them out of position before delivering decisive shots.
This style has been effective for her at Roland Garros, where her topspin forehand has been particularly impactful, contributing to her four titles at the event.
While Roig's contract length with Swiatek has not been disclosed, he appears to be a suitable match for her. However, his solo coaching efforts since leaving Nadal's team—including his work with Raducanu—have not yielded the expected results.
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