Key Takeaways
- Iga Swiatek concluded her 2026 season at the WTA 1000 in Wuhan after missing out on qualification for the WTA Finals.
- The world number 9 reiterated full confidence in Spanish coach Francisco Roig, who joined her team in April.
- Swiatek explained that developing her tactical game requires patience, noting, “you know that you are working with a long-term perspective.”
Patience and long-term vision define Polish star’s mindset
A challenging 2026 campaign has not shaken Iga Swiatek’s faith in her coaching arrangement. The 25-year-old Polish star failed to qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals, bringing her tournament year to a close with a semifinal exit against compatriot Maja Chwalinska at the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan.
Ranked world number 9, the Warsaw native partnered with 58-year-old Spanish coach Francisco Roig in April. While the partnership has yet to produce the breakthrough results seen in earlier seasons, Swiatek emphasized during the tournament in China that tactical evolution takes time.
Building harmony with Francisco Roig
Roig, who previously guided Rafael Nadal and Matteo Berrettini, arrived with clear concepts on how to evolve Swiatek’s tennis. Swiatek noted that committing to a coaching change requires belief before results can show.
Speaking to Chinese reporters in Wuhan, she detailed her trust in the process, noting, “I think after a couple of months you start to see clearly what his idea of the game is.”
Swiatek explained that communication prior to their working partnership had already established shared goals. She was drawn to Roig’s willingness to travel and his specific tactical roadmap designed to refine her style.
Looking forward to the 2027 tour
Frequent coaching transitions have marked Swiatek’s recent seasons, but she views technical and tactical growth as a broader project rather than a week-to-week reaction.
Reflecting on that perspective, Swiatek stressed that steady progress removes unnecessary pressure: “you know that you are working with a long-term perspective.”
The upcoming off-season provides the former world number 1 and Roig an extended training block to solidify technical adjustments before launching their 2027 campaign.
Iga Swiatek in 2026
Ranked world no.8, Swiatek played her last match on the 17th of October when she surrendered to world no.11 Maja Chwalinska 7-5 6-1 in the semifinal in Wuhan (draw).
Currently, during this year Swiatek has achieved a 42-16 match record. Iga has won 1 title in Toronto.
