Iga Swiatek seems to have finally found some clarity amidst the chaos. After navigating a turbulent stretch marked by coaching uncertainty, the Polish star has made a decisive move, joining forces with none other than Naomi Osaka’s former coach, Wim Fissette. Swiatek’s recent split from Tomasz Wiktorowski sparked plenty of speculation, but now she’s hoping that Fissette’s expertise will help her regain her footing. But here’s the kicker—coaching Swiatek might not be Wim Fissette’s only task for now. 

The Polish sports journalist with Sports.pl, Dominik Senkowski, took to his X account on Thursday and shared an interesting detail about Fissette’s latest partnership with Swiatek. He highlighted that despite joining forces with Swiatek, the coach has continued to remain the captain of team Belgium at the Billie Jean King Cup, and it remains unclear if he will drop that responsibility amidst his new duties. 

Taking to the platform, the journalist questioned, “Wim Fissette remains Belgium’s captain in the Billie Jean King Cup. He has combined this role recently with coaching Naomi Osaka. Will it continue?” Continuing further, he shared that Swiatek’s manager Paula Wolecka has given a skeptical answer over the matter and said, “Decisions on this matter will be made at the end of the year”. The Belgians will play China in November.” While the situation remains unclear, it seems to be a double task for the coach. 

Remember, the Polish star has continued to highlight that her primary focus is on the upcoming WTA Finals in Riyadh, which is scheduled to take place between November 2 and November 9. Billie Jean King Cup, on the other hand, will be taking place between November 13 and November 20 in Málaga, Spain. This would mean a lot of traveling and a tight schedule for the coach who will have to remain present on both occasions. 

While he has taken up this challenge during his stint with Naomi Osaka, it would be difficult for him given the change he is witnessing, the initial phase of which demands spending close time with the player. This responsibility can increase even more given the trust that Swiatek put in the coach while announcing him as his next guide. 

Earlier today, the World No. 1 revealed that she would pair up with Fissette as her next coach and expressed huge trust in him. “He seems to have a great attitude, vision and huge experience at a very top level of tennis,” Iga Swiatek shared while explaining her viewpoint. And Fissette has even proved his expertise during his previous stint with Osaka. 

Naomi Osaka achieved incredible success under Fissette’s tutelage. The duo worked together in two chapters — first from the 2019 offseason to the summer of 2022. During this period, the Japanese star went on to win the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open. She also reached the finals of the 2020 Cincinnati Open and the 2022 Miami Open. However, when the pair attempted to recapture their former magic and got back together in 2023 it did not turn out to be effective and eventually led to their split. 

Amidst all the latest changes, there have also been rumors about what led to the split between Swiatek and Wiktorowski. While Swiatek has remained stoic, her former coach has an interesting perspective to share. 

Iga Swiatek’s former coach opens up about splitting with the Polish star

Tomasz Wiktorowski and Iga Swiatek shared a long-term bond and witnessed immense success during their partnership. But when they split up, several rumors suggesting a rift between the two took center stage. However, the Pole’s former coach decided to take matters into his own hands and put an end to these reports. 

Wiktorowski engaged in an interaction with WP SportoweFakty and opened up about the rumors of a rift. “There has been a lot of speculation and insinuation… definitely too much considering that the statement issued very precisely defines our decision.” Continuing further, he shared that it was a mutual decision and that it was not because of any rift. “It is enough to read it with understanding, and not with the intention of looking for sensation. Our end of cooperation took place with respect for both parties and no fakes will change that.”

For now, it would be interesting to see how Swiatek’s new partnership with Fissette unfolds. Will the Belgian coach continue his dual responsibilities? Well, only time will tell.