Swiatek Shares How Nadal Sparked a ‘Wild Surge’ During Mallorca Training Week
The Polish star trained alongside the Spaniard in early April
April 16, 2026
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Iga Swiatek praised Rafael Nadal after her Stuttgart victory.
By Sam Jacot
Iga Swiatek’s recent training session with Rafael Nadal proved its worth on Wednesday in Stuttgart, as she kicked off her clay-court season with a commanding straight-sets victory over Laura Siegemund.
Swiatek had the opportunity to train with Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy at the start of April. She described the experience with three words: exhausting, inspiring, and absolutely invaluable.
“Training with Rafa was an incredible privilege,” a beaming Swiatek said post-match in Germany. “I’m always highly motivated as I approach the clay season, but having him on the court provided an extraordinary surge of motivation.”
Drawing inspiration from @RafaelNadal! 📖 @iga_swiatek reflects on her training experience with Rafa in Mallorca. #PorscheTennis pic.twitter.com/FOP5w3v2wE
— wta (@WTA) April 15, 2026
That additional push didn’t come without effort; the 24-year-old dedicated countless hours on the court in Mallorca to maximize this precious opportunity.
“I can honestly say I’ve never spent so much time practicing as I did in Mallorca,” Swiatek shared. “It was a week filled with hard work and determination.”
Far from a leisurely getaway on the Spanish coast, this was the intense preparation that the four-time Roland Garros champion thrives on as she gears up for her favorite part of the season. Interestingly, despite Nadal’s notorious intensity, the training sessions maintained a relaxed vibe.
With Swiatek’s new coach Francisco Roig involved, she noted that Nadal didn’t monopolize the sessions. Instead, he offered insightful tips here and there.
“The dynamic was quite unique,” Swiatek explained. “Since Francisco was his coach, I think he allowed him to coach me as well. Rafa provided guidance intermittently. I’d describe it as pretty laid-back?”
There might not have been any shouting, but the intensity was palpable.
“He was uplifting in a positive way,” Swiatek remarked. “I’d call it ‘chill’, yet strict. It’s Rafa, after all. Whatever he says, you know you’ll give it your all. His intensity is unmatched. Just having him there motivated me to rise to the occasion.”
Currently ranked World No. 4, Swiatek has claimed 10 of her 25 tour-level titles on clay. She hopes that her time with Nadal will pave the way for even greater achievements in the weeks ahead.
