Iga Swiatek has revealed the technical adjustments shaping her early momentum at the Madrid Open, offering insight into the evolving changes behind her dominant start in 2026.
Strong start in Madrid
The world No. 4 delivered a commanding performance in the second round, defeating Ukrainian qualifier Daria Snigur 6-1, 6-2 at the Caja Magica. The victory marked a confident opening as Swiatek targets her second Madrid title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2024.
While the scoreline reflected control, the Polish star made it clear her game is still a work in progress—particularly when it comes to refining her serve.
“Still changing it”: Iga Swiatek on her serve adjustment
Following the win, Iga Swiatek addressed the ongoing tweaks to her service motion, emphasizing that the process is far from complete.
“I wouldn’t use past tense, because I feel like I’m still changing it, but this was the movement that I was supposed to already have in Stuttgart, but it didn’t really go as I wanted to,” said the six-time Grand Slam champion.
Her comments highlight the challenges of implementing technical changes under match conditions, especially after a recent quarter-final exit at the Stuttgart Open.
Training influence and technical reset
Swiatek’s adjustments come after working closely with new coach Francisco Roig, who previously guided Rafael Nadal. The 24-year-old spent time training at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca, where the foundations of her new serving motion were developed.
“I wasn’t quite sure, I mean, I analysed the matches after, and I realised that in Mallorca, I was serving a little bit differently. So today, I felt like this was it, and I just need to keep doing that, keep focusing on it, and remembering the right movement.”
She further acknowledged the difficulty of adapting physically to new mechanics.
“Honestly, you never know with your body how fast you’re gonna catch a movement, so some shots, it’s easier for me to change, some, a little bit harder.”
Confidence growing despite challenges
Despite the ongoing adjustments, Iga Swiatek expressed belief in the direction of her game.
“My hand always came back to the same position, but now we did a more drastic change, and I feel like it helped me to reset a little bit, and actually, from this reset, start the movement how I should.”
She also touched on Nadal’s influence, adding: “I don’t know if he’s watching or not.”
“I know he’s super busy, even more busy, I think, than when he played. So we’re not in constant touch, but I know that I can always ask him anything if I want.”
As her Madrid campaign progresses, these evolving adjustments could prove crucial in shaping Swiatek’s title push.