L'Equipe announced the name of Iga Swiatek's next coach » He collaborated with Rafael Nadal for 17 years
Article by David Istrate – Published on Wednesday, 01 April 2026, 19:59 / Updated on Wednesday, 01 April 2026 20:02
The famous publication L'Equipe announced the name of the future coach of Igai Swiatek (24 years old, 4 WTA). Confirming the rumors coming from Poland, the French claim that Francisco Roig, the former coach of Rafael Nadal and Emma Răducanu, has agreed to work with the six-time Grand Slam winner.
After an untimely exit from the Miami Open, Iga Swiatek announced his split from coach Wim Fissette. In the last two weeks, information came from Poland that Francisco Roig, Rafael Nadal's former coach, will be part of the former world leader's team.
Francisco Roig, the new coach of Iga Swiatek, after breaking up with Wim Fissette
In an interview for sport.pl, Swiatek confirmed that he has already reached an agreement with a coach, but did not name him. Also, when asked if Nadal, her idol, helped her find a new coach, the 24-year-old player did not deny, but rather avoided the answer.
“Rafa is very open. He's an amazing man. Just the fact that I have his number and can contact him is a great honor for me. But honestly, whether he helped me or not (no in choosing the coach), I'd like him to stay between us, because he's also part of this story. I wouldn't want to put him in an awkward position,” said Swiatek.
Meanwhile, L'Equipe newspaper confirmed that Francisco Roig will be the new coach of the quadruple winner at Roland Garros. He collaborated with Nadal from 2005 to 2022, after which he also worked with Matteo Berrettini (December 2023 – October 2024), with Emma Răducanu (August 2025 – January 2026) and with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in March of this year.
Francisco Roig and Rafael Nadal / Photo Credit: Guliver/Getty Images
The French claim that Roig ended his partnership with Mpetshi Perricard, being attracted by the option of collaborating with Iga Swiatek. The change of coach in the Polish team came just before the start of the clay season.
The ideal coach should have very good skills. An “eye” for the game. A sense of the player's needs, both short-term and long-term. He must know how to make the right decisions: when to introduce new shots, new drills, when to initiate changes in play and when to build on his player's strengths.
In terms of personality, he should be understanding and have good communication skills, because he needs to be the leader of the team. He has to coordinate everyone's work and make everything work harmoniously. It has to be someone you just feel good with because the tours are long and there's a lot of free time. The key is finding the right balance between all of these
– The ideal coach, in the view of Igă Swiatek
