Iga Swiatek is one of the best players in the world, but has been honest about her struggles of late.
After all, despite her obvious quality, the former world number one is barely threatening for any elite honours, and as such, she felt a change was needed.
Just over a week ago, Swiatek split with her coach and has therefore started the process of seeking his replacement.
This is a crucial decision for the 24-year-old, which could make or break some of the most important years of her career.
However, there have been rumours that her immediate future could be blessed with a legendary figure in her player’s box: Rafael Nadal.
Iga Swiatek discusses her search for a new coach
Speaking to Sport, just after Swiatek outlined her ideal next coach, she was then asked about her idol.
The question posed was: “Is it true that Rafael Nadal helped you in your search for a coach? And is it true that he’ll be in your box in Stuttgart and at other clay-court tournaments?”
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Iga Swiatek answered as such: “It’s no secret – Rafa is my idol and actually the only person I watched playing tennis as a child.
“He was also kind enough to chat with me a few times during his career and give me tips. He’s someone I can turn to if I need help or have a problem to sort out.
“Help from someone so experienced – actually the best – is of course a brilliant opportunity, and I’ll take it up if I can. Rafa is very open. He’s a smashing guy. Just the fact that I have his number and can get in touch with him is a massive honour for me.
“But to be honest, whether he helped me or not, I’d like to keep that between us, because he’s part of that story. I wouldn’t want to put him in an awkward spot.”
Why Francisco Roig would be a perfect fit for Iga Swiatek
Whether Nadal joins her team briefly or not will have little impact on her search for a new long-term coach, which does seem to have reached a conclusion.
That is, if reports are to be believed.
After all, they are suggesting that Swiatek is closing in on appointing Francisco Roig, fresh from his brief stint with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, whom he joined just after parting ways with Emma Raducanu.
The Spaniard, who has spent the bulk of his career coaching Nadal, is a hugely intelligent tactician who helped the 22-time major champion maintain supremacy throughout his career.
He is clearly adaptable and would surely be a great fit for Swiatek, who has admitted to modelling her game around Nadal.
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Raducanu and Roig ended things due to a difference in opinion on how to progress forward, with the Brit favouring far more aggression.
However, the Polish superstar has won six major titles by being rock-solid, harassing her opponents with unrelenting spin and energy.
Roig can help re-energise Swiatek and bring her back to her best. It seems like a perfect fit.
