Iga Swiatek has started training with the new coach Wim Fissette. With longtime coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, out of the picture now, she’s gearing up to get back her momentum from earlier this season. After parting ways with Wiktorowski, Swiatek took her time to find the right fit. But the wait cost her the No. 1 ranking to Aryna Sabalenka. Skipping several tournaments during the Asian swing left her momentum stalled after a stellar season start. Now, with Fissette in her corner, there’s a glimmer of hope for Swiatek. However, the road ahead may look quite familiar for a while.

While many see differences between Swiatek’s previous coach and the current one, journalist Krzysztof Rawa revealed their surprising similarities. Both coaches adopt an analytical approach, with Wiktorowski even naming Fissette as a role model for his methodology. Rawa noted, “Fissette is also a kind of ‘laptop coach,” highlighting their calm temperaments and reliance on data-driven strategies.

Rawa believes she could benefit from a coach with a different style, suggesting that a fresh perspective may be essential for her continued success on the court. As Rawa noted, “I think Iga could use a slightly different trainer profile,” Despite Wim Fissette’s impressive track record with players like Naomi Osaka and Kim Clijsters, there remains uncertainty about whether his coaching approach will meet Swiatek’s evolving needs.

In the past, Fissette guided Osaka to victory at the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open, helping her develop crucial analytical skills and mental resilience. He also played a key role in Kim Clijsters’ successful return to tennis, leading her to the 2010 US Open title after a two-year hiatus.

So clearly, Fissette’s methods have proven effective for champions like Naomi Osaka and Kim Clijsters. However, questions persist about whether his calm demeanor and analytical style will ultimately help Swiatek. On the other hand, Swiatek has already accomplished much alongside Wiktorowski, even though the true reason for their split is an ongoing debate.

Speculations rise as Iga-Wiktorowski split still in question

While both Iga and Tomasz have denied any bad blood, speculation includes the influence of Iga’s psychologist, Daria Abramowicz. Tennis coach and Eurosport commentator Lech Sidor offers a different perspective, drawing parallels between Wiktorowski’s departure from Agnieszka Radwanska and his recent split from Swiatek.

Wiktorowski joined Swiatek’s team in 2021 at a pivotal moment in her career, helping her secure four Grand Slam titles and 19 out of 22 career victories. Under his guidance, Iga reached world No. 1 and achieved the longest winning streak on the WTA Tour this century.

However, Sidor highlights the toll this success may have taken on Wiktorowski, pointing out that even Iga acknowledged that he needs a break. “There remains the issue of professional burnout,” Sidor noted in the Eurosport Podcast, referencing Iga’s farewell message where she emphasized Wiktorowski’s well-deserved vacation after years of intense work.

Sidor further elaborated on the pressures of coaching at such high levels, recalling Wiktorowski’s previous experience with Radwanska. He remarked that the glamorous image of tennis often masks the grueling reality behind the scenes. “It’s a terribly monotonous regime,” he said, illustrating the stress coaches face.

With WTA’s demanding schedule requiring top players to participate in numerous tournaments each season, it’s no wonder that both players and coaches feel overwhelmed. As Swiatek gears up for the upcoming WTA Finals with Fissette by her side, expectations are high to see how this new chapter unfolds. Do you think Iga will shine with her new coach? Let us know below in the comments.