After a subdued start to the 2026 season, Iga Świątek has roused hopes of a strong resurgence with a major shake-up to her coaching team. In the wake of her disappointing second-round exit at the Miami Open, the Pole parted ways with Wim Fissette and has since struck up a partnership with Francisco Roig, who was a part of Rafael Nadal’s coaching team for 18 seasons.
The scenes of Świątek training at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca, under the tutelage of Roig and the 22-time Grand Slam champion, have generated significant excitement. However, Andre Agassi and Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, believes that the extent of Nadal’s direct involvement will shape the Pole’s success.
Why Brad Gilbert Is Worried About Iga Świątek’s New Coaching Setup
During a recent episode of “The Big T” podcast, a debate emerged over whether Iga Świątek will add to her Grand Slam tally while working with Francisco Roig. Brad Gilbert voiced his worries about Roig’s credentials as a head coach, given his recent stint with Emma Raducanu. He suggested that the Pole’s chances of winning a Major would hinge on the extent of Rafael Nadal’s involvement behind the scenes.
“That’s a tough one right out of the gate. My first thinking is shank, but if Rafa is involved, that’s the big, you know, because I did say that Roig has had a great career as an assistant coach, not as a head coach. If Rafa is involved more than what we’re seeing, it’s a bank. But if he’s not, I’m a little bit worried about that one,” Gilbert said.
Meanwhile, former American tennis player Nick Monroe delivered a conditional verdict, asserting that Świątek and Roig will only win a Grand Slam together if their partnership defies the established pattern and lasts longer than a year.
“I might be going half answer as well because it depends on how long Roig is with her because Roig hasn’t been with players for more than eight to nine months,” Monroe said. “So, I’m going to say if it’s a year then bank, if it’s less than a year, then shank. I think that’s kind of the thing, is that going to be a lasting partnership?”
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Despite his doubts, Gilbert put faith in Świątek’s exceptional prowess on clay and her pedigree as a six-time Grand Slam champion with the French Open approaching.
“I’m actually leaning towards bank because of how good she is on clay. She still has six Majors. We’re not talking about a player that’s looking to win their first,” he said.
Iga Świątek will commence her clay-court season at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, where she will join a star-studded field featuring Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina. Having won two titles at the WTA 500 event in Stuttgart, the Pole will aim to build on that success and make a strong start to her partnership with Francisco Roig.