Iga Swiatek, the reigning World No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam champion, has officially added Belgian tennis coach Wim Fissette to her coaching team. The announcement comes on the heels of her recent split from long-time coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, with whom she shared a highly successful partnership over nearly three years. The decision to bring Fissette on board signals a new chapter in Swiatek’s career, as she looks to build on her already stellar achievements and continue her dominance in the women’s game.
### The End of an Era: Swiatek and Wiktorowski’s Breakup
Swiatek’s separation from Wiktorowski, which was confirmed on October 4, 2024, marked the end of a successful coaching collaboration that began in 2021. Under Wiktorowski’s guidance, Swiatek rapidly ascended to the top of the WTA rankings and claimed numerous accolades, including four Grand Slam titles—three at the French Open (2020, 2022, and 2023) and one at the US Open (2022). During their time together, Swiatek won a total of 19 titles, cementing her status as one of the most dominant forces in women’s tennis.
Despite the fruitful nature of their partnership, Swiatek hinted that she was ready for a change and a new direction. After announcing the split, the 23-year-old revealed that she was already in discussions with coaches from abroad. “I’m in the middle of first talks with coaches from abroad (non-Polish), because I’m ready to take the next step in my career,” Swiatek shared on social media, indicating her desire to evolve and challenge herself further on the international stage.
### A New Beginning: Wim Fissette Joins Swiatek’s Team
Fast forward to October 17, and Swiatek made it official that Wim Fissette would be her new coach. Fissette brings a wealth of experience to the table, having coached some of the biggest names in women’s tennis, including former Grand Slam champions such as Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, and Petra Kvitova. His most recent stint was with Naomi Osaka, another four-time Grand Slam winner, who worked with Fissette before transitioning to her current coach, Patrick Mouratoglou.
Swiatek’s decision to team up with Fissette is seen as a calculated move, considering his impressive track record of coaching elite players. In her announcement, Swiatek expressed her enthusiasm for the new partnership, emphasizing her long-term vision for her career. “So, I have news for you today as I’m excited and motivated to start a new chapter. I’m happy to announce that Wim Fissette is joining our team,” she said. “As you know, I’m preparing for the WTA Finals but my perspective is, as always, long-term, not short-term. 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.”
The reference to her career as a “marathon” speaks to Swiatek’s strategic approach to her development as a player. She has been known for her meticulous preparation and focus on maintaining a high level of performance over an extended period. This mindset aligns well with Fissette’s experience working with top-level players, many of whom have managed to sustain their success over the course of several years.
### The Importance of Experience: Fissette’s Coaching Pedigree
Wim Fissette’s resume is nothing short of impressive. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in guiding players to Grand Slam glory. He initially gained recognition for his work with Kim Clijsters, helping the Belgian tennis legend win multiple Grand Slam titles. Fissette also played a crucial role in Angelique Kerber’s rise to prominence, assisting the German in securing her Wimbledon and US Open titles.
His experience working with Naomi Osaka further solidifies his credentials as a coach capable of guiding the best players to success. Osaka, under Fissette’s guidance, captured her fourth Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2021. However, their partnership came to an end after the 2024 US Open, as Osaka shifted to working with Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams.
Fissette’s most recent coaching stint was with Zheng Qinwen, the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist. However, that partnership was short-lived, with the Chinese player accusing Fissette of breaching their contract following Naomi Osaka’s return from maternity leave. Despite this brief controversy, Fissette’s reputation as a top-level coach remains intact, and his move to work with Swiatek signals a fresh chapter in his career as well.
### Swiatek and Fissette: A Promising Collaboration
Swiatek’s excitement about working with Fissette is palpable. “I want to say that I’m very excited and looking forward to working with Wim. He seems to have a great attitude, vision, and huge experience at a very top level of tennis,” she said on social media, expressing her optimism about the collaboration.
The two have already begun working together in preparation for the upcoming WTA Finals, which will take place in Riyadh from November 2 to 9. Swiatek, who is the defending champion at the event, will be looking to add to her impressive haul of titles this year, which includes five tournament victories. As she chases her 23rd career title, her partnership with Fissette will undoubtedly be put to the test on one of the biggest stages in women’s tennis.
The early signs of their collaboration have been promising. Swiatek shared that they are off to a good start and that she is looking forward to continuing their work together. “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, highlighting the importance of building rapport and mutual understanding in a successful player-coach relationship.
### Looking Ahead: Swiatek’s Ambitions
As Iga Swiatek prepares for the WTA Finals, all eyes will be on how her new partnership with Wim Fissette unfolds. The World No. 1 has already proven herself as a dominant force in women’s tennis, but with Fissette by her side, she appears poised to take her game to new heights. As she continues to chase more Grand Slam titles and solidify her legacy, Swiatek’s decision to work with one of the most experienced coaches in the sport could prove to be a game-changer.
With her long-term perspective and Fissette’s expertise, Iga Swiatek is gearing up for what could be an even more successful chapter in her career. The WTA Finals in Riyadh will provide the first glimpse of what this new partnership can achieve, and tennis fans around the world will be eagerly watching.