After a faltering start to the season and a split with Wim Fissette, Iga Swiatek enters the clay swing under pressure to reinvent her narrative. And if there’s one place she’d turn to for answers, it’s the blueprint of Rafael Nadal. In fact, back in 2023, during her keynote at the Rafael Nadal Academy, Swiątek had already hinted at just that mindset.

Now, it almost feels like a full-circle moment. ‘Rafa’s Kid’ has landed in Mallorca, not just to train, but to rediscover herself and chase redemption.

Reports from Polish outlet Przeglad Sportowy Onet suggest that Iga Swiatek will begin training at the Rafa Nadal Academy. 

With Europe’s red dirt looming large, her preparation phase carries heightened stakes. The report also indicates that a new coach may join her soon. An evaluation period is expected in Mallorca, which will help assess compatibility.

Swiatek’s team is reportedly leaning toward a Spanish coach, and the idea aligns with her playing style, as her game has always thrived on clay. One name under discussion is Francisco Roig, who has worked closely with Nadal for years. His experience makes him a strong candidate.

Roig also briefly collaborated with Emma Raducanu. However, there may be logistical challenges. He has recently worked with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

Another key figure is Joan Bosch, who currently coaches Alexandra Eala and is also closely linked to the Nadal Academy. Further, Bosch confirmed that he contacted the academy and asked about training opportunities with Swiatek. Now, this suggests early interest, not formal talks.

“I have already asked the Academy if Iga Swiatek and I could have a training session when she arrives in Mallorca,” he said to Przeglad Sportowy Onet.

The report outlines a possible trial period, which is standard in professional tennis. Coaches and players often test partnerships before committing. Additionally, Bosch shared his view on Swiatek’s needs, saying:

“In my opinion, a Spanish coach would be a good option for Swiatek. I agree with her recent statements that the goal should be to recover her natural style of play: from the baseline, with solid defense, because that is what defines Iga.

“We spoke a year ago, and even then, I said I would love to work with Iga Swiatek one day. It would be an honor. For now, I am fully focused on Alex, but it is natural that, having worked with Carlos Moya and reached the top 10 in the ATP, I would like to do something similar in the WTA.”

Bosch expanded further on the idea and emphasised long-term goals while praising Swiatek’s qualities.

“It’s a great challenge. Ideally, I would do it with Eala, because we have been together from the beginning, and I value long-term relationships. But I also love Iga’s tennis, her talent, and her work ethic. She is someone with whom a coach can reach Grand Slams. Yes, it would be incredible to work with her one day,” he concluded.

This transition comes at a critical time. Swiatek has dominated clay, winning four French Open titles.

And any coaching decision will reflect that reality. The coming weeks could define her season.

Iga Swiatek faces déjà vu amid coaching doubts

Iga Swiatek began her professional journey under Piotr Sierzputowski, who played a key role in her early development. Under his guidance, she won her first Grand Slam at the French Open in 2020.

In 2021, she parted ways with Sierzputowski and then started working with Tomasz Wiktorowski. This partnership proved highly successful, as Wiktorowski helped her win four Grand Slam titles. They worked together until October 2024.

After that, Swiatek brought in Wim Fissette, and the move was seen as a fresh start. During Fissette’s tenure, results were mixed. Swiatek still won three WTA titles, and one of them was the Wimbledon singles title last year.

However, her form dropped at the start of this season, which led her to describe the phase as her “worst nightmare.”

Kim Clijsters, who enjoyed success under Fissette, shared her view. Speaking on the Love All podcast, she offered context. She focused on the mental side of the game.

“My first kind of feeling is a little bit… I saw some of the interactions that were happening on court as well, and I think, to Wim’s defense, when a player is mentally where she was at, I don’t think there’s a lot that you can say from the sideline,” she said. “It’s a lot further than ‘Hey, do this on the tennis court, or hey, try to focus on placing the ball there, or throwing the ball toss, or stepping in on the return.’ It’s a lot further than that. It’s a lot deeper.”

Now, Swiatek turns her focus to the clay season, and she will look to regain control at the top level.