Iga Swiatek puts "sh--ty" Madrid experience behind her, praises Francisco Roig's practices

Iga Swiatek is back in a city full of special memories, and more importantly, is feeling well following a “tough” Mutua Madrid Open experience.

The world No. 3 was one of multiple players impacted by suspected food poisoning in the Spanish capital, having retired in the third set of her third-round match with Ann Li. Swiatek stayed put to recover from the illness, before making her way to Rome.

“It was really, like, sh--ty, literally (laughter). So yeah, I was completely off, like, day before the match. The day I played also I was not good, like no energy at all,” she reflected to press Tuesday.

“Honestly, day after it was a bit better, but still I don't think I would be able to play normal. But in two days I was already fine. I recovered. I had some time to stay there and not really travel because I don't think it's safe to travel when you're so, like, fragile.”

Swiatek noted she’s returned to 100 percent in training since arriving on site at the Foro Italico. The 24-year-old is seeking her fourth Internazionali BNL d'Italia title in six seasons, as she aims to end a clay-court drought that is approaching a two-year drought. This WTA 1000 marks her third tournament with new coach Francisco Roig, with the two debuting their partnership in Stuttgart last month.

“I have been trying some different options on practices, which is great, because I wasn't exactly comfortable with how I played couple months back. This feels more natural and more solid and I would say kind of disciplined,” she shared.

“Sometimes still I tend to come back to old habits, so I think I will need some time to exactly always fully automatically do what Francis wants me to do. I think it's going pretty well. Like, honestly the most important thing for me is that I'm enjoying playing. Every practice for me makes sense. It feels like a process and it feels like every practice I learn something new. So it's great.”

In her opener, Swiatek awaits the winner of Daria Kasatkina and Caty McNally. The Pole has few points to defend here, having bowed out in the third round last year to Danielle Collins.