Iga Swiatek opens up about Rafael Nadal’s coaching style after training together

Iga Swiatek starts off her run at the Women’s Stuttgart Open with a win over Laura Siegemund

Iga Swiatek began her Stuttgart Open campaign with a straight-sets win over Germany’s Laura Siegemund, getting off to a solid start under new coach Francisco Roig.

Playing in front of her home crowd, Siegemund was always going to be up for it. And while it wasn’t the cleanest performance from Swiatek, she looked more settled as the match wore on and did enough to get through in straight sets.

There have been some changes to her game since Roig took over, but even so, she managed to find her rhythm and secure her first win since Indian Wells.

Iga Swiatek discusses working with ‘strict’ Rafael Nadal

After parting ways with Wim Fissette following the Miami Open, Swiatek went to train at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca.

Swiatek has always been an admirer of Nadal, and he provided direct support as she adjusted from Fissette to Roig.

“I feel like the dynamics were kind of unusual, because Francisco was his coach obviously. I feel he also let him coach me. But from time to time he was giving his tips. I’d say pretty chill?,” she said.

“No but he was motivating in a positive way. I’d say chill but on the other hand strict. Honestly it’s Rafa. No matter what he’s gonna say, you’re gonna do it 100%.

“You know his intensity. Having him on the court you want to show him the same kind of vibe. Just him being there obviously did the job.”

“With Rafa, it was just a privilege. Really inspiring time. I always am super motivated before coming on clay, but having him on the court was like an extra crazy boost of motivation.”

Nadal hasn’t taken on a full-time coaching role since retiring in 2024, though he continues to mentor young players at his academy.

Swiatek offers insights into early days with new coach Francisco Roig

Roig decided to link up with Swiatek after brief spells earlier this year with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Emma Raducanu. The partnership seems to be off to a promising start, and Swiatek has already noticed some changes in her game under his guidance.

The four-time Grand Slam champion spoke positively about what she’s been picking up from the Spaniard. Even though she’s not used to changing coaches often, Swiatek views this as a valuable opportunity to take on fresh ideas.

“Even though I’m an experienced player, it’s still a new thing for me. I haven’t changed coaches often in my career,” she explained.

“But it’s always exciting because you get to know different points of view of a person that’s supposed to be with you every day on court. You need to be open minded and try to soak in this new approach and everything. With Francisco, we have a similar view of how I should play.

“The other thing is actually doing it on court so this will take a little more time. The idea is there. The attitude and work is there.”

This year, the field looks even tougher. Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina, and Mirra Andreeva are all competing, making for one of the strongest lineups seen at a WTA 500 event in recent memory.

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