Iga Swiatek has shared insights into her recent training sessions with Rafael Nadal and his longtime coach, Francisco Roig, at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. The Pole was asked if the 22-time Grand Slam champion is a strict coach.
The World No. 4 WTA player has described the experience as both motivating and intense as she prepares for the 2026 European clay-court swing.
Swiatek reveals if Rafael Nadal is a strict coach
The Polish star, who recently hired Roig after parting ways with Wim Fissette following an early exit at the Miami Open, trained on clay with the 14-time French Open champion, offering occasional tips while Roig led the sessions.
In a post-match interview after her opening victory at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Swiątek characterized the coaching dynamic as “unusual” given Roig’s history with Nadal. He said:
“Francisco was letting him coach me, but from time to time [Nadal] was giving his tips.”
Swiatek described Nadal as “chill but strict,” noting his mere presence on court demanded maximum effort. She continued:
“No matter what he’s gonna say, you’re gonna do it 100%. You know his intensity.”
The partnership marks a strategic shift for the Polish international, who sought a technically astute and experienced coach familiar with high-pressure situations on tour. Roig, who worked with the Spanish legend for nearly two decades, fits that profile perfectly it seems.
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