Iga Swiatek opens up about Rafael Nadal’s coaching style after training together

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Iga Swiatek starts off her run at the Women’s Stuttgart Open with a win over Laura Siegemund

Iga Swiatek began her Stuttgart Open campaign with a straight-sets win over Germany’s Laura Siegemund, getting off to a solid start under new coach Francisco Roig.

Playing in front of her home crowd, Siegemund was always going to be up for it. And while it wasn’t the cleanest performance from Swiatek, she looked more settled as the match wore on and did enough to get through in straight sets.

There have been some changes to her game since Roig took over, but even so, she managed to find her rhythm and secure her first win since Indian Wells.

Iga Swiatek discusses working with ‘strict’ Rafael Nadal

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

After parting ways with Wim Fissette following the Miami Open, Swiatek went to train at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca.

Swiatek has always been an admirer of Nadal, and he provided direct support as she adjusted from Fissette to Roig.

“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?,” she said.

“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.”

“With Rafa, it was just a privilege. Really inspiring time. I always am super motivated before coming on clay, but having him on the court was like an extra crazy boost of motivation.”