Technical Expert Francisco Roig Joins Iga Swiatek Following Two Decades of Success with Rafael Nadal

Explore the career of Francisco Roig, the technical mastermind behind Rafael Nadal's 22 Slams and the new head coach for Iga Swiatek.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 6:03 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

A Foundation Built on Professional Playing Experience

Before transitioning to the sidelines, Francisco Roig established a respectable career on the ATP Tour, turning professional in 1987. The Spanish native reached a career-high singles ranking of world number 60 in 1992 and found notable success on the doubles circuit, where he captured nine titles and reached the quarterfinals of the French Open. His deep understanding of clay-court mechanics, rooted in his own experience at Roland Garros, has long been considered a defining characteristic of his coaching philosophy and a primary reason for his high standing in the tennis community.

Two Decades at the Pinnacle of the Sport

Roig’s coaching legacy is inextricably linked to the unprecedented career of Rafael Nadal, whom he began mentoring in 2005. During a partnership that spanned seventeen years, Roig was a constant presence in the Spaniard’s box for every one of his 22 Grand Slam victories. Initially serving as an assistant to Toni Nadal, he later became a central figure alongside Carlos Moya and Marc Lopez. His role extended beyond the bench, as he occasionally partnered with Nadal in professional doubles matches, fostering a unique technical synergy that defined the most successful era in Spanish tennis history.

Proven Success Beyond the Nadal Entourage

After concluding his long-term commitment to Nadal in 2022, Roig demonstrated his ability to achieve results with a diverse range of players. He briefly collaborated with former US Open champion Sloane Stephens before spearheading a successful revival for Matteo Berrettini. Under Roig’s guidance, Berrettini secured three titles in a single season despite recurring injury setbacks. More recently, Roig served a short stint with Emma Raducanu, further solidifying his status as a sought-after specialist for Grand Slam champions looking to refine their technical fundamentals.