Iga Swiatek Reflects on Coaching Split and Her New Partnership with Wim Fissette

Iga Świątek Reflects on Coaching Split and Her New Partnership with Wim Fissette

In a recent conversation, world number one Iga Świątek opened up about her decision to part ways with her long-time coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, and her exciting new collaboration with renowned coach Wim Fissette. The Polish tennis star, who has been dominating the sport with her aggressive baseline play and mental toughness, shared insights into what led to the coaching split and her hopes for the future with Fissette.

The End of a Successful Partnership
Iga Świątek’s decision to part ways with Tomasz Wiktorowski, who had guided her through a remarkable rise to the top of women’s tennis, came as a surprise to many. Under Wiktorowski’s mentorship, Świątek achieved a historic French Open victory in 2020, becoming the youngest player in the Open Era to win the tournament. They also claimed titles at other prestigious events, including the Italian Open and the WTA Finals. Their partnership was built on a strong foundation of trust, tactical refinement, and an understanding of Świątek’s playing style.

However, Świątek admitted that despite the success, both she and Wiktorowski felt that their collaboration had run its course. “It was a mutual decision,” Świątek explained. “We reached a point where we felt it was time to explore a new direction. We were both really happy with what we achieved together, but sometimes a change is necessary to grow further.”

For Świątek, the split was not just about the results but also about continuing her evolution as a player. “It’s about pushing the boundaries of my game, and sometimes that requires a fresh perspective,” she added.

Enter Wim Fissette: A New Era Begins
Soon after the split, Iga Świątek announced her new partnership with Wim Fissette, a coach with an impressive pedigree in women’s tennis. Fissette, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the sport—including Victoria Azarenka, Simona Halep, and Naomi Osaka—brings a wealth of experience to the table. Known for his tactical approach and ability to adapt to his players’ individual needs, Fissette’s arrival is seen as a pivotal moment in Świątek’s career.

For Świątek, Fissette’s reputation as a coach who fosters a strong mental approach to the game was particularly appealing. “Wim has a very structured and goal-oriented way of working,” she said. “He understands that to be a top player, it’s not just about hitting the ball well, but about maintaining the right mindset and having a clear vision for the future.”

Fissette has also praised Świątek’s work ethic and her analytical approach to the sport, describing her as a “tactical genius” who is constantly thinking about how to improve. He noted that one of his main tasks would be to help Świątek refine her game even further, especially in terms of adapting to different surfaces and evolving her overall strategy.

The Road Ahead
Iga Świątek’s partnership with Wim Fissette is still in its early stages, but both player and coach are optimistic about the potential for future success. Fissette’s experience in handling elite athletes, combined with Świątek’s raw talent and relentless drive, suggests that they are poised to continue their rise in women’s tennis.

Świątek, whose game is built on a strong foundation of power and consistency, is hoping to expand her repertoire under Fissette’s guidance. “We’re working on improving my all-around game, making sure I’m ready for every type of match,” Świątek revealed. “I want to be able to adapt quickly and have more options, not just to play the way I’ve been playing, but to surprise my opponents with different strategies.”

As for Fissette, his focus will likely be on helping Świątek manage the pressures that come with being the world’s number one player. “It’s important to remember that being at the top is not just about physical preparation, but mental resilience,” he said. “With Iga, we’ll work on making sure she can handle the demands of the tour and stay at the top for as long as possible.”

A Bright Future
While the tennis world will be watching closely as Świątek and Fissette develop their partnership, one thing is certain: Świątek’s hunger for improvement and her willingness to embrace change is a testament to her commitment to becoming one of the sport’s all-time greats. With the combination of Świątek’s undeniable talent and Fissette’s coaching expertise, the future of Polish tennis looks incredibly bright.

As the 2025 season unfolds, fans can expect to see an even more formidable Iga Świątek, whose unwavering determination and fresh outlook under the guidance of Wim Fissette could very well lead to even greater success on the court.