Iga Swiatek Set to Appoint Former Rafael Nadal Associate Francisco Roig Following Wim Fissette Departure

Iga Swiatek prepares to appoint Francisco Roig as her new coach following a split from Wim Fissette and a training stint at the Rafa Nadal Academy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 3:57 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

A Strategic Pivot for the Six-Time Grand Slam Champion

World number four Iga Swiatek is preparing for a significant leadership change within her coaching camp as she looks to revitalize her 2026 campaign. Following a series of early exits during the spring hard-court swing, including a second-round loss at the Miami Open, the Polish star has decided to move on from Belgian coach Wim Fissette. The partnership, which began in late 2024, was highlighted by Swiatek's historic first grass-court major title at Wimbledon and subsequent trophies in Cincinnati and Korea. However, a sluggish start to the current year—marked by a failure to advance beyond any tournament quarter-finals—prompted the twenty-four-year-old to seek a fresh tactical perspective.

The Roig Connection and the Influence of Mallorca

The leading candidate to fill the vacancy is Francisco Roig, a strategist best known for his long-term role within the inner circle of Rafael Nadal during the height of the Spaniard’s dominance. Rumors of the pairing intensified after Swiatek’s manager, Maciej Ryszczuk, confirmed that she would be conducting her pre-clay season training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. Roig’s resume includes a recent stint with 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu and a brief collaboration with rising talent Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. French media outlets have reported that Roig has already concluded his duties with Mpetshi Perricard, clearing the path for an official announcement regarding the Swiatek partnership in the coming days.

Discretion Regarding the Role of a Tennis Legend

While the link to Roig suggests a direct influence from Rafael Nadal, Swiatek has remained characteristically private about the specifics of her consultations with the Spanish icon. In a recent interview with Sport.pl, she expressed deep gratitude for the ability to contact Nadal for professional advice, referring to him as her lifelong idol and one of the greatest to ever play the game. However, she declined to confirm whether Nadal personally facilitated the introduction to Roig, stating a desire to protect the privacy of those involved in the transition. This discretion underscores the mutual respect between the two multiple-time French Open champions as they navigate the complexities of high-level coaching changes.