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Swiatek Wins Italian Open Opener as Coach Tears Achilles

5/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Iga Swiatek beat Caty McNally 6-1, 6-7(5-7), 6-3 in the Italian Open first round.
Coach Francisco Roig tore his Achilles during a promotional half-court volley in Rome’s Piazza del Popolo.
After betting 100 euro on the mini-tennis game, Roig had surgery in Warsaw on Tuesday and returned to Rome to coach.
Swiatek said the team will manage despite harder practice as she prepares for a round-of-32 match against Emma Navarro or Elisabetta Cocciaretto.

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Story summary

Iga Swiatek beat Caty McNally 6-1, 6-7(5-7), 6-3 in the Italian Open first round.
Coach Francisco Roig tore his Achilles during a promotional half-court volley in Rome’s Piazza del Popolo.
After betting 100 euro on the mini-tennis game, Roig had surgery in Warsaw on Tuesday and returned to Rome to coach.
Swiatek said the team will manage despite harder practice as she prepares for a round-of-32 match against Emma Navarro or Elisabetta Cocciaretto.