World number three Iga Swiatek has revealed a significant setback for her team, as her coach Francisco Roig suffered a serious injury during a practice session in Rome. The incident occurred just before the start of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, a major WTA 1000 tournament.
Swiatek explained that the injury happened during a light-hearted practice match at the famous Piazza del Popolo. The session was intended to be a fun, exhibition-style workout, with the pair even placing a friendly wager of 100 euros on the outcome. Roig, known for his strong net skills, was considered the favorite in that scenario.
The Polish star was leading the practice set 5-4 and had a match point when the injury struck. As Roig performed a split-step—a fundamental movement in tennis—he ruptured his Achilles tendon. The injury was immediately serious, ruling him out of action for the foreseeable future.
The accident took place on a Saturday. Roig underwent surgery to repair the damage the following Tuesday, with the procedure taking place in Warsaw, Poland. The timeline highlights the severity of the injury and the swift medical response required.
Despite the painful setback, Swiatek praised her coach's dedication. She noted that Roig's immediate desire was to return to work rather than take a break, a testament to his commitment. Swiatek emphasized the team's effort to provide support during his recovery, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation for him.
Swiatek shared these details while speaking to the media in the mixed zone after her second-round victory over American Katie McNally at the Rome tournament. The win demonstrated her ability to maintain focus on court despite the concerning news about her coach.
The injury to a key member of her coaching team presents a new challenge for Swiatek as she continues her clay-court season. The support system around the top player will be crucial as Roig begins his rehabilitation process.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.