Rafael Nadal
Nadal Teams Up with Swiatek for Academy Training Session
The WTA sensation, Swiatek, has begun her journey with Nadal’s former coach, Francisco Roig.
April 02, 2026
Photo Credit: Corinne Dubreuil/Peter Staples/ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek: A Meeting of World No. 1s.
By ATP Staff
In a warm gesture marking a new phase in Iga Swiatek’s career, Rafael Nadal dedicated his Thursday in Mallorca to the rising star.
The legendary former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings graciously welcomed Swiatek to the Rafa Nadal Academy, sharing valuable moments on the court alongside her new mentor, Francisco Roig.
👋🏼 @iga_swiatek 😀
Welcome back to the @rnadalacademy!
Hope you make unforgettable memories here! 🏡 pic.twitter.com/aj7JsFILdd— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 2, 2026
“Welcome back to the Rafa Nadal Academy!,” Nadal expressed in a heartfelt social media post on the same day Swiatek announced her partnership with Roig. “Enjoy your time here! We hope it feels like home.”
Responding via her Instagram Stories, Swiatek said, “Thank you for the warm welcome! It’s wonderful to be back!”
Having spent 17 fruitful years together, Nadal is well-acquainted with Roig, who guided him from 2005 until 2022, a period that saw Nadal clinch all 22 of his Grand Slam titles and enjoy a remarkable 209 weeks as World No. 1.
Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion who has maintained her place at the top of the PIF WTA Rankings for 125 weeks, has often cited Nadal as her childhood idol. Now at just 24, she aspires to leverage her time with the tennis icon and Roig’s expertise to propel her to new career heights.
