Mpetshi Perricard hits out after coach leaves to join Iga Swiatek: “I trusted his word”
ATPSaturday, 04 April 2026 at 20:30
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard did not expect his partnership with Francisco Roig to end as quickly as it did. The Frenchman, currently ranked World No. 57, opened up about the abrupt split after the Spanish coach — long associated with Rafael Nadal — moved on to join Iga Swiatek’s team following the Sunshine Double.
The collaboration between Mpetshi Perricard and Roig had been set with a longer-term perspective in mind, initially planned to extend through the grass-court season. Instead, it lasted only a few weeks, ending immediately after Miami without direct communication from the coach himself.
“With Francisco, the collaboration was supposed to last at least until the grass season,” Mpetshi Perricard said to L'Equipe. “But after Miami, he decided to stop. Everything was going so well. We were supposed to meet for a training week in Spain… My agent told me. He didn’t tell me directly.”
The 22-year-old described the situation as difficult to process, particularly given the speed at which the partnership ended and Roig’s immediate move into Swiatek’s camp. “I trusted his word, I trusted what he could bring. That everything ended so quickly, it’s a shame. It’s a tough and ruthless world. I had never seen anything like it. It was very surprising and disappointing. But it will be a learning experience.”
Short-term partnership, long-term uncertainty
The episode forms part of a broader period of instability in Mpetshi Perricard’s career. After working with Emmanuel Planque for four years, the pair split earlier this season, leading to a transitional phase that included Philippe Dehaes in an interim role before the short-lived link-up with Roig.
That instability has coincided with inconsistent results. Since his breakthrough run to the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2024 — still the standout result of his career — the Frenchman has struggled to maintain momentum on the ATP Tour. His powerful serve remains one of the most effective weapons among younger players, but results have not consistently followed.
His Sunshine Double campaign reflected those difficulties, with early exits in both Indian Wells and Miami. Since reaching the quarterfinals in Auckland earlier this season, he has won just one main-draw match, highlighting the challenge of translating potential into sustained results.
Mpetshi Perricard also addressed the timing of Roig’s move to Swiatek, suggesting that the transition likely had been in development before their split became official. “It took me half a day to process it. Was it my fault? Not at all. I had nothing to do with it. But I don’t think this project with her was built in 24 hours.”
Reset with Rusedski ahead of clay swing
The Frenchman has already begun restructuring his team ahead of the clay swing, turning to former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski as part of a new coaching setup alongside Dehaes. The partnership is still in its early stages, but the profile of Rusedski — a former World No. 4 known for his serve-dominant game — aligns closely with Mpetshi Perricard’s own strengths.
“And that’s not bad at all,” the former world No. 31 said. “We were in contact when I was looking for a coach. He was very interested and has a similar style to mine: big serve, strong presence at the net, offensive player. I was convinced he could help me.”
Rusedski’s experience, particularly as one of the most prominent serve-based players of his generation, is expected to play a role in refining the Frenchman’s identity on court. The focus now shifts toward improving return patterns and sustaining intensity in longer rallies — areas that have limited his consistency in recent months.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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