Swiatek Officially Announces New Coach, The Mastermind Behind the Decision Turns Out to Be...

Following ten days of numerous rumors and speculation, the selection of a new coach for six-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek has now been settled. Beijing time last night, the Polish star formally declared that Francisco Roig, who previously supported Spanish icon Nadal for many years, has become part of her team to start a fresh phase in her professional journey, with Nadal himself being the "strategist" behind this move.

Swiatek Announces Roig's Addition to Her Team Source: Player's Social Media

This team change comes just before the clay season, with Swiatek herself arriving at Nadal's tennis academy in Mallorca, Spain, for preparatory training. For Swiatek, this coaching shift is highly significant. She has struggled with inconsistent form over the past year or more, despite winning her first Wimbledon title in 2025 and subsequently claiming championships in Cincinnati and Seoul. However, she then entered a slump lasting seven tournaments without reaching the semifinals (excluding the United Cup), and her unexpected second-round loss to Linette in Miami last month became the "final straw" leading to the end of her partnership with former coach Fisette.

Various signs indicate that Nadal played a key role in Swiatek's search for a team change. "Did he help me find a coach? I prefer to keep that question between us," Swiatek told Polish media. "He has been very kind, speaking with me multiple times and offering advice. He is someone I can reach out to if needed; I have his contact and occasionally communicate with him. It's a tremendous honor."

Swiatek and Nadal Source: Player's Social Media

Shortly after Swiatek announced her new coach, Nadal posted a photo with Swiatek on his personal social media, welcoming the Polish star. Moreover, media captured Nadal appearing at Swiatek's training session, where the Spanish legend observed her practice attentively like a team member, providing guidance alongside Roig.

Roig boasts an illustrious coaching record. During his playing days, he was a doubles specialist. After retiring, he joined Nadal's team in 2005, participating fully in Nadal's glorious journey to 22 Grand Slam titles. After leaving Nadal's team in 2022, Roig subsequently had long-term collaborations with stars Matteo Berrettini and Emma Raducanu. During last year's Wimbledon, he briefly coached Zheng Qinwen, then partnered with Raducanu in August last year, a relationship that lasted until this year's Australian Open. Notably, however, Roig's independent coaching assignments after departing Nadal's team have not yielded significant results.

Swiatek won the French Open consecutively from 2022 to 2024, achieving the "Clay Triple" in 2024 (winning Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros). Yet last year, she failed to secure any titles on her favored clay surface. Roig's arrival directly addresses Swiatek's most urgent current need: reclaiming dominance on clay courts.

Although Swiatek's new coach is not a top-tier superstar, with Nadal acting as the orchestrator providing support behind the scenes, this collaboration is particularly promising. As the clay season approaches, whether she can restore her absolute supremacy on clay under Roig's guidance will undoubtedly be one of the most captivating suspense stories in tennis.

(Text and Editor: Wang Fei)