Iga Swiatek has advanced to the Madrid Open third round after comfortably defeating Daria Snigur on Thursday.
Swiatek rarely looked fazed throughout the contest, eventually defeating her Ukrainian opponent 6-2, 6-4.
The match represented a positive sign for Swiatek, who recently hired coach Francisco Roig after a poor set of results on the WTA Tour.
Ahead of her second-round contests, Swiatek spoke to Sky Sports about her initial work with the Spanish coach and the improvements she has already made.
Iga Swiatek says her level on the practice court has improved with Francisco Roig as coach
“It’s gone very well,” Swiatek said of her partnership with Roig while in conversation with Sky Sports.
“From the beginning, even before we stepped out on the court, we had the same idea about how I should play and what to improve on, so when we started practicing, it feels like he has a great eye and a really good way of picking up exercises so the player has more confidence on the court.
Are you more or less confident that Iga Swiatek can win the Madrid Open now?
She is a former champion…
“I feel my level has already improved on the practice court. I need to now put that on to a match court.
“The matches in Stuttgart I would say were really solid and I had different decision making from my last matches on hard court, so I would say it’s a positive change.
“He’s also just a great guy and brings a lot of positive energy and a Spanish vibe to the team.
Swiatek reached the quarter-finals in Stuttgart before losing to Mirra Andreeva in three sets.
The Polish star, who has won four major titles on the red dirt, also discussed the pressure that comes with having high expectations.
“I have got to say every year is a bit different,” Swiatek continued. “Some years it’s easy for me to ignore it and some years it’s a bit tougher.
“I would say last year was probably the toughest, in terms of me really being fragile about the expectations and how people see my game.
“I guess that is also something which comes from the bad results, in Rome for example.”
Last year, Swiatek struggled to capture her best form on the clay. She failed to win a single title during the clay-court swing and suffered early exits in Stuttgart and Rome.
“But this year it’s much easier for me to ignore it,” she continued, “as I feel like I have clear goals on how to play and how to practice.
Iga Swiatek’s projected path to the Madrid Open title
- Third round: Ann Li / Alycia Parks
- Fourth round: Jasmine Paolini / Hailey Baptiste
- Quarter-finals: Mirra Andreeva
- Semi-finals: Aryna Sabalenka
- Final: Elena Rybakina / Coco Gauff
“I have so much to think about in terms of new stuff I am doing with Francisco that I don’t have plans to focus on anything else.”
After beating Daria Snigur, Swiatek will play Ann Li or 32nd seed Alycia Parks in the Madrid Open third round.
If Swiatek is to advance further, she will likely play Jasmine Paolini or Hailey Baptiste in the fourth round.
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Iga Świątek discusses her work with Rafael Nadal
After losing at the Miami Open to Magda Linette, Iga Swiatek parted ways with coach Wim Fissette and travelled to Mallorca to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
During her time at the Academy, Swiatek worked with Roig and Rafael Nadal.
The Polish star discussed her experience of playing at the academy and receiving ‘advice’ from Nadal.
“He spoke about his experiences, so it wasn’t one particular advice,” Swiatek told Eurosport Spain. “I have one good one, but honestly you have to go on court with Rafa to give it.
“I don’t want to give it to other players!
“Him being so open and him saying it wasn’t as perfect as you see on TV, it’s nice to hear that, and it gives you perspective and it was a real pleasure.
“It was a dream come true.”
