Iga Swiatek returned on clay with a dominant win. On Wednesday, April 15, the Polish player secured a straight-set victory over Laura Siegemund in her opening match of the clay-court season in Stuttgart. She defeated her in sets of 6-2, 6-3 in the last 16 games. This was also her first win under new coach Francisco Roig. Coming back to the place where has won 10 WTA titles including four French Open honors, the win came off easily.
With the win, Swiatek will next face either Alycia Parks or Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Andreeva ended up with a hard-fought win in the first round after defeating reigning champion Jelena Ostapenko by sets of 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. On the other hand, American Parks defeated Germany’s Noma Noha Akugue in straight sets
The former World No. 1 has been struggling with her form this season. The six-time Grand Slam champion received an early exit at the Miami Open last month after getting defeated by compatriot Magda Linette.
Before Roig, Swiatek was coached by Wim Fissette and after her second-round loss in the Miami Open decided to part ways. Meanwhile, Roig has been part of Rafael Nadal’s coaching team for many years.
On joining her new coach and bringing in a win in her first set at Stuttgart Open, Swiatek opened up on what led to her decision to take up one of the old coaches of Rafael Nadal’s Academy.
“I haven’t changed coaches often in my career, but I feel excited. I was basically looking for someone with a good eye, really technical, but also a person that is experienced enough to help me through some different kinds of situations,” she said.
Speaking of working with Roig, the World No. 3 is trying to take in the new beginning with success ahead.
“I think you need to be really open minded, and soak in this new approach. I feel like with Francisco, we have a similar view as far as how I should play,” she added.
