Iga Swiatek’s coach, Francisco Roig, has torn his Achilles.
But that didn’t stop him from watching Swiatek beat Caty McNally in the second round of the Italian Open.
Are you worried about Iga Swiatek’s struggles to get over the line or impressed by her mentality?
A tricky opening match in Rome…
During her post-match press conference, Swiatek explained how Roig tore his Achilles.
Iga Swiatek says Francisco Roig tore his Achilles practising with her before the Italian Open
“Basically, we’re having a practice on Piazza del Popolo,” she said.
“It was supposed to be a live practice. We were like, Okay, I’m going to play this fun game we were playing before. I wanted to show it to him.
“He’s really good on the volley. So we made a bet for 100€. I thought I was going to lose, honestly, because he’s been playing so great on the volley. I was like, maybe let’s play only the singles court. It’s half-court basically.
“I want to win, I’ll make you move a little bit.
“Yeah, basically I had 5-4 and the match point already. He did a split step and tore his Achilles.”
Determined not to miss Swiatek’s opening match, Roig underwent surgery right away.
“It happened on Saturday. On Tuesday, he had surgery already in Warsaw,” said Swiatek.
“We kind of took care of him.
“He really wanted to be back, not to take time off. I really appreciate that he’s here because, for sure, it’s not easy for him.
“We’re trying to take care of him. We also kind of wanted to show the team effort, you know? Yeah, I broke my coach’s Achilles…”
Swiatek doesn’t think she would have dealt with the injury as well as her coach, who held it together in front of the fans.
“The tournament asked us to play on Piazza del Popolo, so we did,” she said.
“I don’t think people noticed how serious it was because he was so brave in the moment. I would burst out crying. I would make such a drama.
“His face was normal.
“I thought he was joking at the beginning.
“My hitting partner thought he was joking, as well.”
Swiatek was then asked if she thought Roig’s injury could improve their relationship.
“No, because it was good from the beginning,” she said.
“We did some bonding, I would say, because Daria [Abramowicz] went with him to Warsaw. It’s her first tournament, so they really didn’t have a chance to get to know each other. Maybe they do now a little bit.
“But with Francis, we had a good relationship from the beginning.
“Didn’t need any health issues for that!”
The Pole also explained how her practices will be affected by the injury.
“He basically just missed one practice,” said Swiatek.
“But for sure it’s not easy right now in the practices because he can’t be next to me.
“But we’ll make it work, for sure.
“It’s hard [for him] to move around the court, so yeah.”
Can Francisco Roig guide Iga Swiatek to the Italian Open title?
Roig might not be as active on the practice court, but that doesn’t mean he can’t help the world number three.
Swiatek hasn’t won a title this year and will be desperate to lift the trophy in Rome next week.
The Pole wasn’t at her best in the second round, struggling past McNally, but will be confident of increasing her level in round three.
Who do you think will win the women’s Italian Open this year? 🏆
There, she will play either Elisabetta Cocciaretto or Emma Navarro.
Entering either matchup as the clear favourite, Swiatek should book her spot in the last 16, where she can start dreaming of the title.
Swiatek is a three-time Italian Open champion and can move level with Conchita Martinez, Serena Williams, and Gabriela Sabatini with a win in 2026.
Italian Open women’s singles champions
| Rank | Name | Titles |
| 1 | Chris Evert | 5 (1974, 1975, 1980, 1981, 1982) |
| T-2 | Serena Williams | 4 (2002, 2013, 2014, 2016) |
| T-2 | Conchita Martinez | 4 (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996) |
| T-2 | Gabriela Sabatani | 4 (1988, 1989, 1991, 1992) |
| T-5 | Iga Swiatek | 3 (2021, 2022, 2024) |
| T-5 | Maria Sharapova | 3 (2011, 2012, 2015) |
| T-5 | Maria Bueno | 3 (1958, 1961, 1965) |
| T-5 | Margaret Court | 3 (1962, 1963, 1964) |
Only time will tell if Swiatek can emerge victorious this year, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
She will return to play her third-round match on Sunday, May 10.
