Swiatek’s Game Rejuvenated Alongside Coach Roig… National Bank Open

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Iga Swiatek’s first hard-court stint with coach Francisco Roig has begun with a National Bank Open presented by Rogers semifinal.

The world No. 8 brought Roig in prior to the clay season following a second-round loss in Miami, ending a WTA-best string of 73 consecutive opening matches won – a streak that lasted five years. However, with the Spaniard a part of her team, Swiatek is looking like the player who has won eight “Big” hard-court event titles, including the Sunshine Double and US Open in 2022.

The former world No. 1 conceded just six games through her opening two matches in Toronto. Then, after losing the first set to world No. 11 Marta Kostyuk in round four, the seventh seed dropped only three games the rest of the way.

Monday’s victory over Diana Shnaider was Swiatek’s most convincing of the tournament, dispatching the No. 15 seed in 64 minutes – the quickest win of her run thus far. Something is beginning to click again on hard court alongside Roig, starting with the six-time major champion being patient, yet aggressive, over the course of her matches.

“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,” Swiatek said in a press conference on Aug. 10 in Toronto. “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. I feel like the work with [Roig] for sure helps, and I feel like the most stressful part of the season is over.”

The Pole looks to stay dialed in for her semifinal clash with world No. 9 Elina Svitolina, who has beaten the 25-year-old twice already this season. The Ukrainian won on the concrete in Indian Wells then on her most-prolific surface, clay in Rome. Nothing changes, though, for Swiatek despite Svitolina having her number as of late.

“I'm really trying to focus on the next match. The girls are playing great, and the girls I play next, I lost to this season. So, I can keep the expectations low for sure,” the world No. 8 said. “Just focus on myself, try to change some stuff that I did wrong in the last matches, and fight for it.”

Swiatek has yet to reach a WTA final so far this season. Her last title match came back in September when she beat Ekaterina Alexandrova to lift the trophy in Seoul. Now, as she is one win away from competing for a potential 12^th tour-level title, the Pole will be well-prepared to get back into a “Big” event final, with help from Roig.

The WTA's best return to Toronto for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers Aug 1 to 13 at Sobeys Stadium. Get your tickets today!

Feature Photo : Mark Blinch/Wick Photography for National Bank Open