Iga Swiatek’s search for a new coach has begun.
The world No 1 announced her split from Tomasz Wiktorowski earlier today, bringing an end to a three-year partnership that has seen her win four Grand Slam titles and spend over 120 weeks at No 1.
Initially, the news was a surprise but considering Swiatek’s struggle to make an impact at Slams outside of Roland Garros this year, it does feel like the right time for a change.
And, having been coached by fellow Poles throughout her career, the 23-year-old confirmed in her statement today that she was planning to branch out with her latest coaching choice.
Swiatek said: “Due to this important change on my team, I give myself a couple of weeks to start a cooperation with a new coach.
“I’m in the middle of first talks with coaches from abroad (non-Polish) because I’m ready to take the next step of my career. I will let you know when I make a decision.”
With that in mind, we look at some of the options that Swiatek could consider.
Wim Fissette
Fissette is one of the obvious candidates, having recently split with former world No 1 Naomi Osaka.
The Belgian’s partnership with Osaka was a successful one, guiding her to the 2020 US Open and 2021 Australian Open titles.
That is not the only time Fissette has guided a WTA great to Grand Slam glory; he was Kim Clijsters’ coach for three of her major victories and was Angelique Kerber’s coach for her 2018 Wimbledon win.
Having also worked with the likes of Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka, among others, he certainly has the experience of working with players at the very top, dealing with the pressure that entails – and finding a way to improve whoever he is working with.
Torben Beltz
Beltz has not had an active coaching role for a couple of years now, which is a surprise considering the success he had during his career.
The German is best known for his work with Kerber across several different spells, most notably helping her win the Australian and US Open titles in 2016, and reach world No 1.
Outside of Kerber, Beltz worked with Donna Vekic from 2017 to 2020 and also had short spells working with Emma Raducanu and Anett Kontaveit across 2021 and 2022.
Much like Fissette, Beltz has the experience of working with several big names – something that would undoubtedly be an advantage heading into a partnership with Swiatek.
Craig Tyzzer
This is a slightly more rogue shout compared to Fissette or Beltz, but there is no doubt that Tyzzer is one of the most accomplished WTA coaches of recent years.
It was Tyzzer who helped guide Ashleigh Barty to the greatest heights of her career, with the Australian reaching world No 1 and winning three Grand Slam singles titles across her career.
He was able to get Barty’s game – which was entirely dissimilar from Swiatek’s – working on all surfaces and helped her continually improve at the top of the game.
Tyzzer would be a strong fit for Swiatek game-wise and personality-wise, though would he want to return to tour life after a two-year break?
Craig Boynton
Boynton’s experience comes primarily with ATP players, but he has an impressive CV.
Most recently, he worked with Swiatek’s compatriot Hubert Hurkacz – so he could well be a figure the five-time major champion is familiar with.
Boynt0n worked with Hurkacz for five years, taking him to a career-high of world No 6, two Masters 1000 titles, and a Wimbledon semi-final.
Swiatek will be targeting greater heights but, having also worked with the likes of Jim Courier, John Isner, and Mardy Fish, Boynton certainly has the experience required.
