Greg Rusedski Backs Francisco Roig to Reinvigorate Iga Swiatek Following Strategic Coaching Overhaul

Greg Rusedski evaluates Iga Swiatek's choice of Francisco Roig as her new coach, noting his experience with Rafael Nadal fits her "Grand Slam winner" criteria.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 4:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

The Strategic Hunt for Championship Pedigree

Iga Swiatek’s recent acquisition of Francisco Roig as her primary coach signals a calculated effort to reclaim her dominance on the WTA Tour. Following a disappointing early exit at the Miami Open, the six,time Grand Slam champion ended her brief collaboration with Wim Fissette to seek a mentor with a specific profile. According to Greg Rusedski, Swiatek’s current coaching brief is uncompromising: she will only consider candidates who have already steered a player to a major title or the top of the world rankings. Roig, who served as a cornerstone of Rafael Nadal’s coaching team for nearly two decades, perfectly aligns with these elite requirements.

Bridging the Gap from Mallorca to the WTA

The partnership was solidified following a training stint at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, where Swiatek prepared for the upcoming European clay court swing. Roig’s resume is distinguished by his 17,year tenure with Nadal, a period that saw the Spaniard secure the vast majority of his record-breaking clay court achievements. Beyond his work with Nadal, Roig has held coaching roles with Matteo Berrettini, Emma Raducanu, and briefly, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. This breadth of experience provides Swiatek with a tactical perspective steeped in the highest levels of competitive industry knowledge.

Analyzing the Fallout with Wim Fissette

The decision to part ways with Wim Fissette came despite the Belgian’s reputation as one of the most successful tactical minds in the game. Rusedski noted that Fissette’s previous successes with stars like Naomi Osaka and Jo Konta are undeniable, yet the results with Swiatek since their partnership began in late 2024 failed to meet expectations. The disconnect appeared most prominent in Swiatek's inability to secure titles at major events since her last Wimbledon victory, leading to the conclusion that a change in technical and mental approach was necessary for the former world number one.