Iga Swiatek has opted for change at a delicate moment in her season, bringing in experienced coach Francisco Roig as she looks to steady her form heading into the clay swing.
The former world No. 1 arrives in Stuttgart with questions around her recent performances—and a new voice in her corner. Roig, best known for his long-time role alongside Rafael Nadal, now steps into a central position in Swiatek’s team.
A careful but necessary decision
Coaching changes have never come lightly for Swiatek, and this one was no different.
“Changing coaches is always tricky for me because I’ve only done it twice in my career,” she said in Stuttgart. “It’s never an easy decision.”
Yet the need for adjustment had become clear. Swiatek has endured a demanding stretch on court, and the shift reflects a desire not for overhaul, but refinement.
“I’m really happy to start working with Francis,” she added. “I was looking for someone with a good eye, very technical, but also someone with enough experience to guide me in different situations. I feel like he’s seen everything on tour.”
Mallorca as the starting point
The collaboration began quickly. Swiatek was able to spend time training with Roig in Mallorca, at the Rafael Nadal Academy—a setting chosen with intent.
“I wanted to change something in my preparation before the clay season,” she explained. “Last year’s clay swing didn’t go how I wanted, so I needed a different approach.”
The environment offered exactly that: familiar conditions, minimal distractions, and a chance to reset.
“It was nice to go there because I knew the courts and could work solidly. And it was great to already have a training block with Francis.”
Nadal’s presence, added value
The visit also brought an unexpected bonus. Rafael Nadal himself joined sessions, offering feedback and, perhaps more importantly, perspective.
“I asked if it was possible for him to come and maybe give some advice,” Swiatek said. “It was a privilege to have him on court.”
She had not assumed it would happen.
“I didn’t have big expectations because I know how busy he is. That’s why I really appreciated that he could be there for those few days.”
The overlap with Roig’s presence only strengthened the transition.
“I’m glad they were there at the same time. It added value to the whole process.”
Clarity amid outside noise
The announcement also served another purpose: ending speculation, particularly in Poland, where media scrutiny had intensified.
“There were a lot of rumours around my team,” Swiatek said. “I wanted to make it clear in one sentence and just stop that.”
The pressure, she suggested, had extended beyond normal discussion.
“The Polish media were very harsh on the whole team. It was chaotic, so I just wanted everyone to know what’s going on.”
Balancing loyalty and progress
Despite the change, Swiatek was clear that this is not a full reset. Core members of her team remain in place, maintaining continuity around the new addition.
“In sport, loyalty is important,” she said. “But if something isn’t working, you have to react. Our careers are not long—we don’t have time to waste.”
Roig now takes on the central coaching role moving forward.
“He will be the one overseeing the whole process. That’s the plan for now.”
Stuttgart as first test
Her first outing under this new structure comes in Stuttgart, a tournament she knows well and has previously dominated.
This time, though, the focus is less on past success and more on what lies ahead.
The clay swing has long been Swiatek’s foundation. With Roig alongside her, the aim is not to rebuild—but to realign.