Kim Clijsters Condemns Francisco Roig for Lack of Respect in Sudden Coaching Switch

Former No. 1 Kim Clijsters calls out Francisco Roig's "disappointing" behavior after he left Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard for Iga Swiatek's team.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 3:17 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

A Sudden Departure Shakes the ATP Circle

The professional coaching landscape faced a significant ethics debate following a high profile personnel shift involving one of the sport's most successful tactical minds. Francisco Roig, famously known for his long tenure alongside Rafael Nadal, abruptly ended his one month partnership with rising prospect Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to accept a position with world number one Iga Swiatek. According to reports, the move materialized just weeks after Roig had begun his tenure with the Frenchman in early March, leaving a vacuum in the young player's development team. The speed of the transition has raised questions about the stability of professional coaching agreements in an increasingly competitive market.

Professional Etiquette and High Standards

Kim Clijsters, a four time Grand Slam champion, voiced her astonishment at the lack of direct communication during the split. Speaking on the Love All podcast, Clijsters noted that Roig’s long association with Rafael Nadal had historically set an exceptionally high standard for professional conduct. According to Clijsters, it is surprising and inherently disappointing that a veteran of Roig's stature would bypass a face to face discussion with a student. She emphasized that while the professional world can be difficult, maintaining a baseline of common sense and respect should remain a priority regardless of the magnitude of the news being delivered.

The Athlete’s Perspective on a Ruthless Industry

The fallout from the coaching change became public when Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard shared his perspective with the media, describing the tennis industry as a ruthless world. Perricard confirmed that he was never told directly by Roig about the resignation, but instead learned the news through his representative. According to Perricard, he had placed significant trust in Roig’s experience and what the coach could bring to his game. To have that foundation dismantled so quickly and indirectly was described by the player as a shame, highlighting the emotional and professional toll such sudden changes can take on emerging talent.