By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, October 17, 2024
Photo credit: Robert Prange/Getty
Iga Swiatek has selected a familiar face as new coach.
World No. 1 Swiatek announced she’s hired veteran Wim Fissette as her new coach.
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The announcement comes two weeks after Swiatek split with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, ending their highly productive three-year partnership.
Five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek is training with Fissette for next month’s WTA Finals in Riyadh.
“I’m happy to announce that Wim Fissette is joining our team,” Swiatek posted on social media. “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.
“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. 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.”
The hiring represents a fresh start for both player and coach.
Former No. 1 Naomi Osaka split with coach Fissette last month.
“4 years, 2 Slams and a whole lot of memories,” Osaka posted on Instagram stories. “Thanks Wim for being a great coach and an even greater person. Wishing you all the best.”
Fissette initially coached Osaka from 2019 to July of 2022. The pair reunited late last year as Osaka increased her training after giving birth to daughter, Shai, in July of 2023.
Though Osaka held match points and nearly toppled Swiatek at Roland Garros, she’s sometimes struggled to sustain consistency in her first full season back since becoming a mom.
The 23-year-old Swiatek is trying to get back on track following her US Open quarterfinal defeat to Jessica Pegula.
A highly-experienced coach, Fissette has worked with several Grand Slam champions, including Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova and Osaka. The 44-year-old Fissette also coached Zheng Qinwen before he returned to Osaka’s corner.
