Overview of the Coaching Journey
In a recent discussion, Wim Fissette, the coach of Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek, shared his thoughts on the challenges they face in their collaboration. Since taking over from Tomasz Wiktorowski at the end of 2024, Fissette has guided Swiatek through various tournaments, including the WTA Finals, yet they haven’t achieved a final appearance together, sparking concerns over their progress.
Upcoming Matches and Aspirations
Swiatek is now poised to change that narrative as she prepares for a significant semifinal clash with Aryna Sabalenka at the Roland Garros, the stage where many hope to see her reclaim her form.
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
As the French Open concludes, attention will soon shift to the grass-court season, which has historically been challenging for Swiatek. There was speculation surrounding her participation in Wimbledon, but the 24-year-old has firmly dispelled such rumors, asserting that she plans to compete in the prestigious tournament.
Surprisingly, Fissette mentioned that, were it solely his decision, he might consider skipping Wimbledon to focus on intensive practice with Swiatek.
“For me, it would be tempting to bypass a major tournament like Wimbledon,”
he noted. However, he acknowledged Swiatek’s respect for her ranking and commitment to the tour, which makes the idea impractical—particularly in a competitive climate where players are keenly pursuing points.
The Struggle for Improvement
The Belgian coach elaborated on the difficulty players face in finding time for intensive practice amidst the punishing WTA schedule. He pointed out that even minor adjustments to a player’s game require sustained effort over time.
“With the current schedule, there’s just no space for significant improvement,”
Fissette stated, highlighting the limited opportunities to refine techniques or strategies, especially following demanding tournaments like the Bille Jean King Cup Finals.
Comparative Coaching Experiences
Fissette’s reflections on Swiatek’s situation come alongside a comparison to his previous experiences coaching other Grand Slam champions, such as Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka, who he noted had different priorities regarding rankings.
“Those players weren’t overly concerned with their position; they were focused on winning Slams,”
he explained, contrasting this with Swiatek’s ranking-driven mentality.
Strengthening the Partnership
Despite past rumors of tension, notably after a moment where Swiatek seemed to snub Fissette’s high-five post-match in Dubai, both coach and player appear dedicated to nurturing their partnership. Together, they are aiming to reestablish Swiatek’s dominance on the court and tackle the challenges of the forthcoming season head-on, aiming for not just participation but success in the major tournaments ahead.
