There’s a certain kind of athlete’s bravado that turns a casual practice session into a competitive showdown. For Iga Swiatek and her coach Francisco Roig, a promotional live practice in Rome’s Piazza del Popolo became an impromptu high-stakes match—except the stakes were just 100 euros and the consequences were far more serious than either player anticipated.
Roig, the 58-year-old Spanish coach who previously worked with Rafa Nadal and Emma Raducanu, took the court at the iconic Roman square for what should have been a low-pressure exhibition. But when Swiatek proposed a small wager, the competitive fire ignited. During the match, with Swiatek already holding a 5-4 lead and match point in hand, Roig launched into a split step to stretch for a volley—and his Achilles tendon tore completely. The injury happened on Saturday during the practice session. By Tuesday, he was in surgery in Warsaw.
What’s remarkable isn’t just that Roig suffered a serious injury over a casual bet. It’s how he handled it. Swiatek recounted the moment with a mix of admiration and disbelief, telling reporters at the Italian Open that Roig’s composure was so complete she initially thought he was joking. Her hitting partner shared the same confusion. Most people would collapse, scream, or spiral into panic. Roig just…didn’t. His face was normal. The situation was bizarre enough that nobody believed it was real.
The Spanish coach’s dedication to his player was equally striking. After flying to Poland for surgery, he missed just one practice session before returning to Rome—still cast-bound, moving around on crutches, but present. Swiatek praised his commitment, acknowledging how difficult it must have been for him to be courtside while physically sidelined. In professional tennis, where coaching relationships often feel transactional, this story landed differently. Roig had taken the job just a month earlier, after Swiatek split with Wim Fissette. He was still building trust with his fourth-seeded player. And yet he showed up anyway.
Sometimes the smallest moments reveal character the most. A 100-euro bet in a public plaza, an unexpected injury, and a coach who chose to stay rather than take time off to heal. It’s the kind of story that reminds you there’s still old-school dedication in professional sports—even when it costs you an Achilles tendon.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
