Iga Swiatek Appoints Francisco Roig as New Coach Ahead of Clay Season

In a strategic move to revitalize her form, world No. 4 Iga Swiatek has appointed Francisco Roig as her new coach. The decision comes after Swiatek parted ways with Wim Fissette following a disappointing campaign at the Miami Open, where she lost her opening match. The transition occurs at a critical juncture as the tennis circuit shifts to clay, traditionally Swiatek’s most successful surface.

A Proven Pedigree: Who is Francisco Roig?

Francisco Roig brings a wealth of elite experience to Swiatek’s team. He is most renowned for his 17-year tenure working with 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal. More recently, Roig’s resume includes stints with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Emma Raducanu.

Roig’s partnership with Raducanu was brief, lasting six months from August until late January 2026, when the pair split following her second-round exit at the Australian Open. This appointment marks Roig’s return to coaching a top-tier player just two months after his departure from Raducanu’s camp.

Adapting the Game: Expert Perspectives

The appointment has drawn attention from other coaching circles. Brad Gilbert, the former coach of Coco Gauff, expressed interest in seeing how Roig adapts to Swiatek’s specific pedigree and playing style. Gilbert noted that Roig and Raducanu appeared to have differences regarding how the Brit should play.

Nick Monroe further elaborated on the friction between Roig and Raducanu, stating that Raducanu prefers a “first strike” style of play and felt that Roig’s approach was taking that element away from her game.

Early Signs of Success at the Nadal Academy

Swiatek has already begun integrating Roig into her regimen, training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Mallorca. The Polish player has also been working with Rafael Nadal as she prepares for the clay-court swing.

Observations from journalist Tytus Olszewski indicate a promising start. Olszewski reported that the communication between Swiatek and Roig is excellent, with Roig providing immediate feedback in English. Training sessions have focused on various technical aspects, leaving both the player and coach satisfied with the progress.

Key Takeaways: The Swiatek-Roig Partnership

• Timing: The change follows a dip in form and an early exit from the Miami Open.
• Experience: Roig brings nearly two decades of experience from Rafael Nadal’s team.
• Strategy: Swiatek is utilizing the Nadal Academy to regain her dominance on clay after a title-less clay season last year.
• Urgency: Swiatek currently sits outside the WTA Finals qualification places and needs to find form quickly.

Looking Ahead

For the 24-year-old Swiatek, the stakes are high. Having not missed the year-end finals since her 2021 debut, her primary goal is to climb back into qualification contention. By aligning herself with Roig and training alongside the greatest clay-court player in history, Swiatek is making a decisive effort to bounce back and reclaim her dominance on the dirt.