Iga Swiatek makes massive announcement involving Naomi Osaka's ex-coach Wim Fissette weeks after her coaching split
Iga Swiatek has announced the addition of Naomi Osaka’s ex-coach, Wim Fisette, to her team. The news comes just weeks after the World No. 1’s split with former coach Tomasz Wiktorowski.
Swiatek confirmed her separation from Wiktorowski on October 4, after almost three years together. Under his tutelage, the fellow Pole lifted 19 career titles, including four Grand Slams (three at the French Open and one at the US Open).
At the time, Iga Swiatek also revealed that she was in talks with a foreign coach.
"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," Iga Swiatek had said on social media.
On Thursday, October 17, she announced that she had started her new collaboration with Belgian tennis coach Wim Fissette. The 23-year-old, who hasn’t competed since the US Open, also hinted at staging a comeback at the WTA Finals in November.
"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. As you know, I’m preparing for the WTA Finals but my perspective is, as always, long-term, not short-term," she said.
"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," she added.
Iga Swiatek on new coach Wim Fissette: "We're off to a good start"
Wim Fissette, known for his stints with former Grand Slam champions Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, and Petra Kvitova, most recently served as Naomi Osaka’s coach. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who is now coached by Serena Williams’ ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou, parted ways with the Belgian after the 2024 US Open.
Fissette also briefly coached 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist Zheng Qinwen in 2023, before Naomi Osaka’s return from maternity leave. At the time, the Chinese tennis player accused him of breaching their contract.
About her new partnership with the highly experienced coach, Iga Swiatek said:
"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.
The five-time Grand Slam champion also shared a positive update about their preliminary preparations 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 said.
Iga Swiatek will be in action at the WTA Finals in Riyadh between November 2 and 9. The World No. 1, who is the defending champion at the event, chases her 23rd career title and sixth of the season at the tournament.