Coach Francisco Roig Explains Why Iga Swiatek Reminds Him of Rafael Nadal

Iga Swiatek is gearing up for the China Open, where she will kick off her campaign against Panna Udvardy or Gao Xinyu. Swiatek is a former champion here, winning on her first appearance in 2023 by defeating Liudmila Samsonova.

She made her second appearance last year and lost in the fourth round. The Pole will be chasing her second title of the season following her win at the Canadian Open, where she defeated World No.1 Elena Rybakina and ended her title drought, winning her first title of the season in what was also her first final of the season.

It was also the first title Swiatek clinched under the guidance of coach Francisco Roig. She hired him before the clay swing this year after parting ways with Wim Fissette. But Swiatek was only able to work properly on the changes that Roig wanted to bring to her game following Wimbledon, after finally getting some time.

The first result was her victory at the Canadian Open and a run to the semifinals at the Cincinnati Open. At the US Open, 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist Qinwen Zheng defeated her in the fourth round.

Roig, who also coached Rafael Nadal, sat for an interview with Eurosport and talked about the two things that Swiatek does that remind him of the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

One thing they have in common is the stance they take before hitting the ball. It’s a comfortable stance; you know they’re not going to miss that shot. Maybe she’s not at that level now, but when Iga was winning, you knew she wouldn’t miss. Both were capable of hitting a ball 100 times and getting it in 99, with a margin of error and spin that was a constant nuisance.

Swiatek, for the first time since 2021, will end the season without a Grand Slam title. Since 2022, she has won at least one Major in a calendar year. Last season, she double-bageled Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon final to win her career’s first title on grass.

Another point they have in common is the number of shots they save when they’re in a tight spot. They save chances that show they’re superior because they have that ability to get the ball in no matter what. In that respect, they’re quite similar.

Francisco Roig added

In Beijing, Swiatek will be chasing her career’s 13th WTA 1000 title. After this event, she will play the Wuhan Open, where she made her debut last year and reached the quarterfinals.

Francisco Roig says Iga Swiatek has it in her to be the best player once again

Francisco Roig believes Iga Swiatek has it in her blood to be the best player once again. Swiatek, after winning her career’s first singles title at the 2020 French Open, went on to win 25 more titles from 30 finals, including five more Majors.

She reached No.1 ranking for the first time in April, 2022 and has spent 125 weeks there, the seventh most in the Open Era. But because of her topsy-turvy season, she stands in ninth place. Can she become the best in the world once again? Roig is convinced she will.

Not now, obviously. Can she be the best again? Absolutely, she already has been. She has everything it takes. She can be again, I believe it, and I would think so even if I weren’t working with her. Iga will win Grand Slams again, she’s very competitive, it’s in her blood. I’m convinced she can dominate again, she can win again and reclaim the No. 1 ranking.

Francisco Roig told Eurosport

At present, Elena Rybakina is standing on top of the rankings table. She dethroned Aryna Sabalenka from the top after beating her in the US Open final.

Also read: Novak Djokovic Reveals Reason Behind Decision to Play China Open After 11 Years: “History of My Results Has Been Incredible”