Iga Świątek has commented on reports claiming that Rafael Nadal is helping her in her search for a new coach. The Pole recently parted ways with coach Wim Fissette after a difficult start to the 2026 season.
After her early exit from Miami, Świątek announced that she was parting ways with Fissette. Since then, rumors have circulated that she is turning to her idol, Nadal, for advice as she looks for a new coach.
Iga Świątek Addresses Rafael Nadal Coaching Rumors
Świątek was asked about rumors regarding a possible collaboration with Nadal as she continues her search for a new coach. The six-time Grand Slam champion was coy about taking the Spaniard’s help in her bid to find a replacement.
“I’m sure there’s a new rumor every day. I guess you’ve been reading a lot of them lately,” she said during an interview with Sport.Pl, when asked if she was planning to head to Mallorca to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
🚨 BREAKING
Rafa Nadal will coach Iga Swiatek during the clay season, the announce will be official soon
(via @TheTennisLetter) pic.twitter.com/yMdWvfbYPm
— 🎾BTG🎾 (@btg_tornos) April 1, 2026
There have also been reports that Świątek would be heading to Nadal’s academy in Mallorca to conduct a joint session with the Spaniard’s former coach, Francisco Roig. While the 24-year-old refused to address the rumors, she said Nadal is someone she can turn to for advice.
“Rafa is my idol and actually the only person I watched play tennis as a child. He was also kind enough to talk to me a few times and give me tips. He’s someone I can turn to if I need help or have a problem to solve,” Świątek said.
“Getting help from someone so experienced – actually the best, the GOAT – is obviously a wonderful opportunity, and I’ll take advantage of it whenever I can. Rafa is very open,” she added. “He’s a great guy. The very fact that I have his number and can contact him is a huge honor for me.
“But to be honest, whether he is helping me [in choosing a coach] or not, I’d like to keep that between us, because he’s part of this story. I wouldn’t want to put him in an awkward position.”
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Świątek started her year well, leading Poland to the United Cup title. But she has struggled with form since then, falling in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, the Qatar Open, and the Indian Wells tournament. Her latest setback came at the Miami Open, where she was sent packing in the second round by compatriot Magda Linette.
Going into the clay-court swing, Świątek holds a 12-6 win-loss record for 2026. She has also slipped to No. 4 in the WTA Rankings. But the Pole considers clay to be her preferred surface and is a four-time French Open champion, so she will hope to turn things around in the coming months.
