Iga Swiatek, the world No. 1, has employed Wim Fissette as her new head coach.
Fissette, 44, is massively skilled and is among the most profitable and extremely regarded coaches on the WTA Tour. The Belgian has coached former world No. 1 gamers Naomi Osaka, Kim Clijsters and Angelique Kerber to 6 Grand Slam titles between them. He has additionally labored with different former world No. 1s like Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka, taking each to Grand Slam finals.
When Swiatek parted together with her long-term coach Tomasz Wiktorowski two weeks in the past, The Athletic reported that well-placed sources throughout the sport had been tipping Fissette to be his substitute. Swiatek hinted at this when she mentioned in her assertion saying the cut up with Wiktorowski that she was in talks with overseas coaches.
Fissette was obtainable after splitting with Osaka, who just lately employed Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams’ former coach, as his substitute.
It’s a massively vital appointment, bringing collectively the world’s finest participant with one of many sport’s most well-respected coaches. It’s additionally a sign of how a lot Swiatek felt she wanted to shake issues up after a disappointing second half of the season that’s seen her outcomes and performances dip since successful a fourth French Open, and fifth Grand Slam title, at Roland Garros in June.
Swiatek’s camp confirmed on Thursday that the pair are already working collectively forward of the WTA Finals, together with the Pole’s physiotherapist and health coach Maciej Ryszczuk, psychologist Daria Abramowicz and hitting companion Tomasz Moczek.
“As you realize, I’m getting ready for the WTA Finals however my perspective is, as all the time, long-term, not short-term,” Swiatek mentioned on social media and in an announcement despatched to The Athletic Thursday October 17.
“I mentioned many occasions that my profession is a marathon for me, not a dash and I’m working, working and making choices with this strategy.
“It’s all the time essential to try to get to know one another higher however we’re off to a great begin and I can’t wait to compete quickly,” she added.
Fissette added that he was excited to affix Swiatek’s group after following her improvement as a participant, in addition to teaching his earlier prices to face her on courtroom. Fissette was Osaka’s coach throughout her memorable French Open match in opposition to Swiatek final 12 months, by which Osaka held match level and practically upset the reigning champion.
“She’s been a task mannequin to many gamers with the depth and focus she brings to work, so I’m desperate to companion as we each proceed to construct our greatest selves and chase extra desires. Jazda, Iga!” Fissette mentioned.
Swiatek has spoken a number of occasions of bodily and psychological exhaustion, and has not performed for the reason that U.S. Open due partially to “private issues”. In that point she has seen her lead because the world No. 1 reduce to simply 69 factors by Aryna Sabalenka, which means Swiatek might want to outperform her rival on the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia in the beginning of November to complete the 12 months because the world No 1.
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The WTA Finals, which contains the top-ranked seven gamers from 2024, plus Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, begins in Riyadh on Saturday November 2.
(Antonio Borga / Anadolu by way of Getty Pictures)
