Iga Swiatek has confirmed a significant change in her coaching team by hiring Francisco Roig, best known for his long tenure on Rafael Nadal’s support staff, amid a challenging start to her 2026 season.
The Wimbledon champion and world No. 4 announced the appointment on social media with a simple message welcoming Roig to her team, calling it an exciting new chapter.
Source: Instagram
Swiatek’s decision follows her split last month with coach Wim Fissette, who helped guide her to the 2025 Wimbledon title. That partnership ended after a shocking opening-round loss at the Miami Open, her earliest exit at a tournament since 2021, and a series of inconsistent results earlier in the season.
Roig, 58, brings extensive experience to the role. He served on Nadal’s coaching team from 2005 to 2022, during the Spanish great’s most successful period, and most recently worked with players including Emma Raducanu and Matteo Berrettini. His deep knowledge of clay court strategy is expected to be particularly valuable as Swiatek prepares for the upcoming European clay swing, which includes major events leading up to the French Open.
As part of her preparations, Swiatek has been training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca alongside Roig and has even spent time on court with Nadal himself, signalling a supportive environment for the new partnership.
Swiatek hopes this coaching reset will help her rediscover the form that saw her dominate the women’s tour and aim at regaining the world No. 1 ranking, particularly as she targets a fifth title at Roland Garros.
The change marks a clear shift in approach for the 24‑year‑old as she looks to stabilise her game and build momentum ahead of the season’s most important months.
