Iga Świątek recently opened up about her experience of training with Rafael Nadal after her second-round win at the Stuttgart WTA 500 event. Following a below-par start to the 2026 season, the Pole prepared for the clay-court swing at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca and now aims to return to form.
Iga Świątek Gets Honest on Training With Rafael Nadal Following Stuttgart 2R Win
Świątek entered the tournament as a seeded player, earning a direct passage into the second round, where she faced Laura Siegemund. The Pole asserted control early with a break in the second game, and after Siegemund briefly got back on serve, Świątek broke again in the sixth and eighth games to comfortably take the opening set.
Despite losing the momentum in the second, a decisive break in the eighth game helped her secure a 6-2, 6-3 victory and reach another quarterfinal this season. It comes as a welcome boost for Świątek, who had endured a shock early exit in the second round of the Miami Open.
As noted, a focused training stint in Mallorca with Nadal and newly appointed coach Francisco Roig appears to have helped her recalibrate ahead of the European clay-court swing. Following her win over Siegemund, Świątek reflected on the experience of training alongside the 22-time Major champion.
When asked whether Nadal was strict or easygoing as a coach, Świątek said: “I feel like the dynamics were kind of unusual, because Francisco was his coach obviously. I feel he also let him coach me. But from time to time he was giving his tips. I’d say pretty chill?”
Iga Swiatek spoke about her training with Rafa Nadal in Mallorca after her win in Stuttgart
“Is Rafa more a strict coach or an easy going coach?”
Iga: “I feel like the dynamics were kind of unusual, because Francisco was his coach, obviously 😂. I feel he also let him coach me.… pic.twitter.com/CFwmO5dwp7
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 15, 2026
Świątek added that Nadal wasn’t harsh but was motivating, balancing a relaxed and disciplined approach. His presence and intensity pushed her to give maximum effort, as she felt compelled to match his energy and standards on court.
“No but he was motivating in a positive way. I’d say chill but on the other hand strict. Honestly it’s Rafa. No matter what he’s gonna say, you’re gonna do it 100%. You know his intensity. Having him on the court you want to show him the same kind of vibe. Just him being there obviously did the job,” she concluded.
MORE: Long-Term Iga Świątek and Rafael Nadal Collaboration Dismissed by Sam Querrey
The former world No. 1 endured a slow start to the 2026 season, with quarterfinal exits at the Australian Open, Qatar Open, and Indian Wells, followed by a shock second-round loss in Miami. The dip in results saw her slide to No. 4 in the WTA rankings, and she subsequently parted ways with coach Wim Fissette.
It remains to be seen how her current stint with Roig unfolds and whether it can guide her to a fifth French Open title.
