Iga Swiatek, the world No. 1, has hired Wim Fissette as her new head coach.
Fissette, 44, is hugely experienced and is one of the most successful and highly regarded coaches on the WTA Tour. The Belgian has coached former world No. 1 players Naomi Osaka, Kim Clijsters and Angelique Kerber to six Grand Slam titles between them. He has also worked with other former world No. 1s like Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka, taking both to Grand Slam finals.
When Swiatek parted with her long-term coach Tomasz Wiktorowski two weeks ago, reported that well-placed sources within the sport were tipping Fissette to be his replacement. Swiatek hinted at this when she said in her statement announcing the split with Wiktorowski that she was in talks with foreign coaches.
Fissette was available after splitting with Osaka, who recently hired Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams’ former coach, as his replacement.
It’s a hugely significant appointment, bringing together the world’s best player with one of the sport’s most well-respected coaches. It’s also an indication of how much Swiatek felt she needed to shake things up after a disappointing second half of the season that’s seen her results and performances dip since winning a fourth French Open, and fifth Grand Slam title, at Roland Garros in June.
Swiatek’s camp confirmed on Thursday that the pair are already working together ahead of the WTA Finals, along with the Pole’s physiotherapist and fitness coach Maciej Ryszczuk, psychologist Daria Abramowicz and hitting partner Tomasz Moczek.
“As you know, I’m preparing for the WTA Finals but my perspective is, as always, long-term, not short-term,” Swiatek said on social media and in a statement sent to Thursday October 17.
“I said many times that my career is a marathon for me, not a sprint and I’m working, operating and making decisions with this approach.
“It’s always crucial to try and get to know each other better but we’re off to a good start and I can’t wait to compete soon,” she added.
Fissette added that he was excited to join Swiatek’s group after following her development as a player, as well as coaching his previous charges to face her on court. Fissette was Osaka’s coach during her memorable French Open match against Swiatek last year, in which Osaka held match point and nearly upset the reigning champion.
“She’s been a role model to many players with the intensity and focus she brings to work, so I’m eager to partner as we both continue to build our best selves and chase more dreams. Jazda, Iga!” Fissette said.
Swiatek has spoken a few times of physical and mental exhaustion, and has not played since the U.S. Open due in part to “personal matters”. In that time she has seen her lead as the world No. 1 cut to just 69 points by Aryna Sabalenka, meaning Swiatek will need to outperform her rival at the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia at the start of November to finish the year as the world No 1.
The WTA Finals, which comprises the top-ranked seven players from 2024, plus Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, starts in Riyadh on Saturday November 2.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Tennis, Women’s Tennis
2024 The Athletic Media Company
