Former WTA World No. 1 Iga Swiatek hires Rafael Nadal’s former coach
Six time Grand Slam Champion and former WTA World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has hired a new coach. He is an established name in professional tennis who served as an alternate coach to Rafael Nadal from 2005-2022.
Francisco Roig was announced as Swiatek’s new coach one day after his 58th birthday. After the Miami Open, Swiatek parted ways with former coach Wim Fissette who was with her for the improbable Wimbledon 2025 title run. Roig also worked with Matteo Berrettini in 2023=2024.
However, Swiatek will not be Roig’s first WTA player. MORE: Deja Blue: Leylah Fernandez’s Charleston Open Lululemon kit looks familiar Before Swiatek, Roig worked with another high profile WTA Grand Slam champion Roig had a brief stint as 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu ‘s coach from August 2025 to January 2026. It is an interesting but not entirely surprising selection.
Swiatek idolizes Rafael Nadal for his work ethic and level of play. Roig will bring that experience to Swiatek who is still only 24 years old. MORE: Will Trinity Rodman be Ben Shelton’s good luck charm again in Texas Swiatek was once unbeatable After Ash Barty’s sudden retirement in 2022, Swiatek soared to the top of the WTA rankings and was virtually unbeatable.
Her results were frequently called Iga’s bakery as she often allowed zero or one game to her opponent (known as a bagel or breadstick) in a match. Mar 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Iga Swiatek (POL) reacts after missing a shot against Magda Linette (POL) (not pictured) on day three of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images That was in a transitional era of WTA tennis when Serena Williams was retiring, Coco Gauff was developing, and Aryna Sabalenka ended a very successful doubles career with Elise Mertens and was committed to becoming a singles star.