Swiatek Reborn: How Coach Roig Unlocked Her Best Tennis
Iga Świątek’s Strong Comeback in Toronto: A New Chapter with Coach Francisco Roig
A New Chapter Begins
Think of this like getting a new tutor before a big test! Iga Świątek (pronounced Ee-gah Shvee-on-tek), one of the world’s best tennis players, decided to try something new after a tough loss earlier this year.
Here’s what happened:
- Iga was ranked World No. 8 when she arrived in Toronto
- She brought in Francisco Roig (a Spanish coach) to join her team before the clay court season
- This change came after she lost early in Miami – which actually ended an amazing streak of 73 first-round wins in a row that lasted five whole years!
- With Roig’s help, she’s starting to play like the champion who won 8 "Big" hard-court titles – including the famous "Sunshine Double" (winning both Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back) and the US Open in 2022
Impressive Start in Toronto
Iga didn’t waste any time showing her new partnership was working:
| Round | Opponent | Result | Games Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Two Matches | Various opponents | Won easily | Only 6 games total! |
| Round of 16 | Marta Kostyuk (World No. 11) | Lost 1st set, then dominated | Only 3 games after the first set! |
| Quarterfinals | Diana Shnaider (No. 15 seed) | Crushing victory | 64 minutes – her fastest win of the tournament! |
KEY TAKEAWAY: After a shaky start against Kostyuk, Iga flipped a switch and became almost unstoppable!
Finding Her Rhythm Again
What Changed in Her Game?
Iga explained it perfectly herself after her quarterfinal win:
"Here, I feel like I already got more into my habit and it became more natural. That’s definitely how I want to play, to have more patience. I feel like I was playing a little bit too flat and fast sometimes last year, making risky decisions. What I’m trying to do now is more my game."
Her Winning Formula (Step by Step)
- Be Patient – Wait for the right moment instead of rushing
- Stay Aggressive – Hit with purpose when the chance comes
- Trust the Process – The work with Coach Roig is paying off
- Enjoy the Journey – "The most stressful part of the season is over"
The Big Semifinal Challenge
Next Up: Elina Svitolina (World No. 9)
The tricky part? Svitolina has beaten Iga TWICE already this year:
- Indian Wells (hard court – same surface as Toronto)
- Rome (clay court – Svitolina’s favorite surface)
Iga’s Smart Mindset
Instead of panicking, she’s keeping things simple:
| Her Approach | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Focus only on the next match | Prevents overwhelm |
| Keep expectations low | Removes pressure |
| Fix what went wrong last time | Learn from losses |
| Fight for every point | Champion mentality |
PRO TIP: Even the best players lose sometimes. What matters is how you respond!
Chasing Title Number 12
The Timeline
- Last WTA Final: September 2025 (won in Seoul vs. Ekaterina Alexandrova)
- This Season: Zero finals reached so far
- Right Now: One win away from a Big Event Final
- Potential Prize: 12th Career Tour-Level Title
With Coach Roig by her side, Iga has the perfect guide to help her cross that finish line!
Important Points at a Glance
CALL OUT BOX – DON’T MISS THESE!
- New coach Francisco Roig = immediate improvement on hard courts
- Only 9 games lost in last 2.5 matches (after Kostyuk’s 1st set)
- 64-minute quarterfinal = most dominant performance yet
- Semifinal vs. Svitolina (0-2 this year) = biggest mental test
- First final since September = chance for Title #12
- Iga’s mindset: patient, focused, pressure-free
Summary
Iga Świątek’s partnership with new coach Francisco Roig is off to a fantastic start at the National Bank Open in Toronto. After a rocky patch that snapped her historic 73-match opening-round win streak, she’s rediscovered her patient yet aggressive style that made her a hard-court queen in 2022.
She’s dropped just 9 games in her last 2.5 matches, including a lightning-fast 64-minute quarterfinal demolition of Diana Shnaider. Now she faces Elina Svitolina – the only player to beat her twice this season – in the semifinals.
But Iga isn’t scared. She’s focused on herself, keeping expectations low, and trusting the work she’s done with Roig. One more win puts her in a Big Event final for the first time since September, hunting for career title #12.
The message is clear: Iga Świątek is back, she’s calm, and she’s dangerous.
FAQ – Your Questions Answered
Q1: Who is Francisco Roig and why is he important?
A: He’s a Spanish tennis coach who joined Iga’s team before the clay season. Think of him like a new teacher helping her fix her game – and it’s working fast!
Q2: What was that 73-match streak about?
A: For five years, Iga never lost her first match in any tournament. That’s like winning the first round of every single competition for half a decade! It ended in Miami this year.
Q3: What’s the "Sunshine Double"?
A: It’s a super rare achievement – winning both Indian Wells and Miami in the same year. Only a handful of players have ever done it. Iga did it in 2022!
Q4: Why is the Svitolina match so tricky?
A: Svitolina has Iga’s number this year – beating her on hard court (Indian Wells) AND clay (Rome). It’s like having a boss level you keep failing at in a video game.
Q5: What does "Big Event" mean in tennis?
A: These are the most important tournaments after Grand Slams (like Wimbledon/US Open). They offer the most points, prize money, and prestige. Winning one proves you’re elite!
Feature Photo: Mark Blinch/Wick Photography for National Bank Open
The WTA’s best are in Toronto for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers, August 1–13 at Sobeys Stadium.