Did Rafael Nadal Help Iga Swiatek Pick Her Next Coach?

Last week, WTA world No. 3 Iga Swiatek parted ways with coach Wim Fissette. Swiatek hired Fissette in October 2024, and she won one Grand Slam title (Wimbledon 2025) during their partnership. Unfortunately for Fissette, one Major is not up to Swiatek's lofty standards.

She hemorrhaged WTA Rankings points in the clay court last season, before an unexpected run at Wimbledon. Two weeks ago, she lost an opening-round match at the Miami Open for the first time since 2021.

With a slight break between the Sunshine Swing and the start of clay court season, the Polish superstar participated in a wide-ranging interview with Radosław Leniarski of Sport.pl. Among the many topics they covered, Leniarski asked Swiatek whether she had consulted her friend and mentor, Rafael Nadal, for advice during the coaching search.

Did Nadal help Swiatek?

Iga Swiatek on if Rafa Nadal has helped her in her search for a new coach, ‘I’d like to keep that between us, because he’s part of that story. I wouldn’t want to put him in an awkward position’

“Is it true that Rafael Nadal helped you in your search for a coach? And is it true… pic.twitter.com/5HQvKtVeRU
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 1, 2026

"You know - Rafa is my idol and actually the only person I watched him play tennis as a child," Swiatek explained. "He was also nice enough to talk to me several times during his career and give me tips. This is the person I can turn to if I need help or have a problem to solve."

"Help from someone so experienced - actually the best, GOAT - is obviously a great opportunity, and I will take advantage of it if I can. The reef is very open. He is a great man. The very fact that I have his number and can contact him is a great honor for me. But to be honest, whether he helped me or not, I would like to keep it between us, because he is part of the story. I wouldn't want to put him in an awkward position."

While Swiatek declined to specify whether Nadal is advising her during the coaching search, other reporters have shared details about who the next coach could be.

Could Francisco Roig be next?

🚨

👀💪 Iga Swiatek will be joined by Francisco Roig during her practise at the Rafa Nadal Academy, amidst coaching rumours

Roig and former pupil Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard have officially gone their separate ways

🗣️ https://t.co/t2zQBLDiky
📸 Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle pic.twitter.com/8eJUZvkTPJ
— Olly Tennis 🎾 🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) April 1, 2026

Fernando Murciego of Punto de Break said, "A name that has been strongly rumored is Francis Roig, who has been assisting Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in recent weeks." Of course, Roig recently split with Emma Raducanu.

Murciego added, "Spanish coach is currently undergoing a trial period with Swiatek, training together at the Rafa Nadal Academy in preparation for the upcoming clay court tour. For now, it's just a rumor, although some major media outlets are already taking it for granted."

Swiatek is expected to return to action at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. The WTA 500 event runs from April 13-19. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Serve On SI for all of your tennis news from the court and beyond.