Overview
- Swiatek, who named Francisco Roig her coach on April 2, has been practicing at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca with Rafael Nadal giving on-court advice including forehand tweaks.
- Footage of Nadal working with Swiatek drew sharp reactions on Thursday, with Jessica Pegula joking that it “should be illegal” and Madison Keys calling the pairing on clay “scary.”
- Roig’s swift move from Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to Swiatek has been criticized for poor communication, as Perricard said he learned of the exit through his agent and Kim Clijsters called that handling disappointing.
- Analysts Brad Gilbert and Nick Monroe questioned Roig’s record as a lead coach, pointing to short stints with Emma Raducanu, Matteo Berrettini, and Perricard and asking whether he can adapt to Swiatek’s aggressive style.
- Poland captain Dawid Celt said he tried to keep Swiatek in this week’s Billie Jean King Cup tie and linked her withdrawal to the coaching change, as the Polish federation denied reports of mass ticket returns; Swiatek is set to debut with Roig at the Stuttgart Open starting Monday, April 13.