Madrid debut sees Iga Swiatek’s serve take a major step forward

Iga Swiatek kicked off her Madrid Open campaign in impressive fashion, easing past Daria Snigur in straight sets.

After a disappointing showing at the Stuttgart Open, the world No. 1 looked much more assured in her opener in Spain, cruising to a 6-1, 6-2 victory.

Swiatek is now working under new coach Francisco Roig, who brings plenty of experience from his time alongside Rafael Nadal.

The first major adjustment Roig has made since replacing Wim Fissette involves changes to Swiatek’s service motion.

Though the changes didn’t immediately pay off in Stuttgart, they seemed to click against Snigur as Swiatek posted a strong first serve win percentage of 78%.

Iga Swiatek shares her thoughts after Madrid Open debut win

After the match, she spoke to Sky Sports, saying: “I was supposed to serve like that in Stuttgart, but it was on and off!

“So, the last few days on the practice court I was really making sure my elbow was in the right position and I think today that was the first match where I felt it was how I wanted.

“The serve was great. I need to get used to the movement and that was a good step forward.

The 24-year-old also touched on Snigur’s playing style, explaining: “It was not easy because of the rhythm. She plays without any top spin and really low, so the ball stays down and sometimes it was hard to make anything out of it.

Swiatek added: “She wanted to use the opportunity to play fast, but I controlled the pace and was solid enough.”

Swiatek admits she was ‘naive’ about her service change

Asked about the challenge of adjusting to the new motion, Swiatek said: “In Stuttgart I thought it was going to be a bit easier for my body to remember it on its own but, no, I still need to think about it a lot.

“Honestly, I was naive to think that way because one week is not enough for the body to remember the movements.

“I don’t care that it is the middle of the season because maybe it wasn’t that visible but we adjusted my serve a few times a year last year and it wasn’t a comfortable situation for me when I needed to change something.

“But still, the changes weren’t what we wanted in the end, they were just steps forward. Now I feel like I have made a big change, but I can stay with it for the next years if it goes well and just adjust little things, so I have much more belief in it.

“Honestly, I did not feel comfortable in Indian Wells and Miami with my serve so honestly I think it was the best time, just because of the feeling. I did not care it was before the clay, just because I wanted to feel good on my serve.”

Swiatek will take on either Alycia Parks or Ann Li in her next match at Madrid Open.

Read more: