By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, October 17, 2024
Photo: Robert Prange/Getty
Iga Swiatek has selected a familiar face as the new coach.
World number 1 Swiatek announced that he has hired a veteran Wim Fissette as her new coach.
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The announcement comes two weeks after Swiatek parted ways with the coach Tomasz Wiktorowskiending their very productive three-year partnership.
Five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek is training with Fissette for next month’s WTA Finals in Riyadh.
“I am happy to announce that Wim Fissette is joining our team,” Swiatek posted on social networks. “As you know, I am preparing for the WTA Finals, but my perspective is, as always, long-term, not short-term. I have said many times that my career is a marathon for me, not a sprint and I am working , act and make decisions with this approach.
“I want to say that I am very excited and looking forward to working with Wim. He seems to have a great attitude, vision and great experience at a very high level of tennis. It is always crucial to try and get to know each other better, but we’re off to a good start and I’m looking forward to competing soon.”
The hiring represents a new beginning for both player and coach.
Former No. 1 Naomi Osaka split with coach Fissette last month.
“4 years, 2 Slams and many memories”, Osaka posted on Instagram. “Thank you Wim for being a great coach and an even greater person. I wish you all the best.”
Fissette originally coached Osaka from 2019 to July 2022. The pair reunited late last year after Osaka stepped up her training after giving birth to daughter Shai in July 2023.
Although Osaka held match points and nearly knocked off Swiatek at Roland Garros, she has at times struggled to maintain consistency in her first full season since becoming a mother.
The 23-year-old Swiatek is trying to get back on track after her US Open quarterfinal loss 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 trained Zheng Qinwen before returning to the Osaka corner.
