By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday November 1, 2024
Photo Credit: Matthew Calvis
As she starts playing for the first time since this year’s US Open, things will be very different on the surface for Iga Swiatek. Gone from her trainer’s box is Tomasz Wiktorowski, the man who helped guide her to four of her five major titles. In is Wim Fissetteanother super trainer with a highly regarded pedigree.
Speaking to reporters ahead of this year’s WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Swiatek says we shouldn’t expect too much change too soon – her decision was made with long-term growth in mind.
“I spent this time still playing tennis and probably focusing on finding a new coach,” she said of the time between today and the end of the US Open, where she lost to Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals. “Making this transition is always complicated. For me it’s a decision with hope for years, because I look at my career in a long-term way.”
What kinds of things does the five-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1 hope to learn from Fissette?
“I think it’s kind of obvious,” she said. “Of course I want to improve my service, as I have done in recent years. I feel like I still need to keep going like this. I’m certainly not a complete gamer. I think tactically there are many ways I can go and have more variety on the pitch. Wim has some great ideas.”
Swiatek, who is 54-7 on the season with five titles, says she’s happy to take things slow. The real deep dive will happen at the start of the pre-season for the 2025 Australian Open.
“Honestly right now we’re just getting ready for this tournament and getting to know each other,” she said. “The real changes, we’ll talk about them during the offseason because it’s the right time to do it. Right now I’m trying to be in the best shape for this tournament. Some techniques, we will work on them in the pre-season.” The hunt for No.1 a non-factor
The media loves the narrative of a duel for the No. 1 ranking in the WTA finals. They have it this year as the Pole could reclaim the No.1 ranking from Sabalenka by making a run for the title, but Swiatek says it’s not important to her at the moment.
Does she know how many points she needs to take back the top spot from Sabalenka?
“I don’t. I want to play the best kind of tennis. That’s what I have to do,” she said, adding: “She’s a great player. She also deserves to be world number 1. Of course I will fight to be in that place.”
