Iga Swiatek hires former Naomi Osaka coach Wim Fissette ahead of WTA Finals

By SABC Sport
17th October 2024

The Pole announced two weeks ago that she had split from Tomasz Wiktorowski after three hugely successful years together in which she won four grand slam titles.

That news came soon after Naomi Osaka ended her partnership with Fissette, and it is no surprise to see world number one Swiatek turn to the 44-year-old.

Fissette has established a reputation as arguably the leading coach on the WTA Tour having previously worked with Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka, Petra Kvitova, Johanna Konta and Angelique Kerber.

Writing on social media, Swiatek said: "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.

"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. 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. 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."

Swiatek won her fourth French Open title in June but failed to make it past the quarter-finals at any of the other grand slams and will hope Fissette can help her improve her results away from clay.

He first linked up with Osaka ahead of the 2020 season and guided her back to the top of the game, with the Japanese star winning US Open and Australian Open titles.

While Osaka was away from the tour having her first child, Fissette briefly worked with China's Zheng Qinwen, but that ended sourly when the Belgian decided to return to Osaka's team ahead of her comeback.

Her progress has not been as swift as she had hoped, though, and she opted to part with Fissette and hire Serena Williams' former coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

Swiatek missed the Asian swing amid her coaching change and will return to the match court at the WTA Finals in Riyadh next month, where she faces a battle with Aryna Sabalenka for the number one ranking.