In a move that caught the tennis world off guard, Iga Swiatek shocked everyone with her surprise split from coach Tomasz Wiktorowski after three successful years together. As Swiatek and Wim Fissette embark on this fresh journey, questions are swirling among players and analysts alike, including Andy Roddick. Adding to the buzz, Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, has ignited strong anticipation, emphasizing the significant differences between him and Wiktorowski.
In October 23rd’s episode of The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Williams’ ex-coach opened up about how a lot of things that Swiatek’s new coach can do that the previous coach didn’t do. She said, “I mean, listen, what do I think it’ll go great because when Wim come in with new ideas and new fresh, he’s a little description bit and not a little bit, he’s a lot more upbeat and a lot more positive than, Thomas.”
Further, she also talked about Wiktorowski, and how somewhere down the line, and shared a loophole in his partnership with Swiatek. She added, “Like, oh my God like you would walk into a room with him and it was like And I’m like, dude you gotta like make life better. I mean you got to find some joy on the tennis court or working with ego or something because eager Clearly when she’s out in the court, she gets very stressed and all the things you see and you have to be able to monitor that and be able.”
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Fissette, who is renowned for shaping champions like Kim Clijsters and Naomi Osaka, assumes a crucial position as Iga Swiatek’s new coach. However, the transition presents its own set of issues, and Rennae Stubbs is not the only one who is commenting on this development. Known for his candid observations, Andy Roddick has expressed “big macro questions” regarding Fissette’s capacity to handle this new phase with Swiatek.
Roddick said, “The top of the mountain wedging yourself in there. Do you want to make a bunch of changes? Are you trying things out for the rest of the year? Are you? These are all these big macro questions is the fit? Have they already signed a deal for two years? Is this a thing they’re going to try through the rest? There’s a lot of this stuff that we don’t totally know yet.”
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However, the move to a new coaching partnership comes at a time when skepticism surrounds Iga Swiatek and Tomasz Wiktorowski’s abrupt split. The World No. 1 has opted to keep quiet about the specifics, but Wiktorowski has come forward to address the matter, clearing up speculation and providing some context on the split.
Iga Swiatek’s ex-coach details their sudden split
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Is Iga Swiatek's coaching change a bold move or a risky gamble for her career?
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Swiatek made headlines earlier this month when she announced her split with longtime coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, causing shockwaves throughout the tennis scene. Many were surprised by the departure considering their outstanding combination, which included five wins, a 54-7 record, and a World No. 1 rating this year. In the wake of the announcement, Wiktorowski spoke out about the move and addressed whether there was animosity between the two.
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He said, “There has been a lot of speculation and insinuation… Definitely too much considering that the statement that was issued very precisely defines our decision. It is enough to read it with understanding, and not with the intention of looking for sensation. Our termination of cooperation took place with respect for both parties and no fakes will change that.”
Nevertheless, Swiatek has not participated in any competitive play on the court since losing to Jessica Pegula in the US Open quarterfinals in September. There are concerns regarding her readiness to return as she chose to withdraw from a number of important tournaments, such as the Wuhan Open, China Open, and Korea Open. But now she is ready to conquer the world once again with her new coach. Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Swiatek’s coaching change? Do let us know in the comment section below.
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Is Iga Swiatek's coaching change a bold move or a risky gamble for her career?