Iga Swiatek couldn’t hit the peak form in the second half of this season. After several disappointing results following the French Open title, the Pole split up with former coach Tomasz Wiktorowski and brought in Wim Fissette. She is now eyeing to reinstate her dominance with a much-needed comeback. While the former World No.1 is currently training for the WTA Finals, it seems she’s not among the top picks to lift the trophy this time. A reputed insider believes it’s Swiatek’s toughest rival who will clinch the title in 2024.

Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka has now emerged as a favorite to lift the trophy of the WTA Finals. It’s because of her consistency and a strong winning streak. She was trailing behind Iga Swiatek a few days ago in the women’s singles rankings. However, the 26-year-old managed to get to the number one position, owing to her consistently impressive performances since the start of the US swing.

Swiatek is yet to play a professional match since her quarter-final appearance in this year’s US Open. At the Flushing Meadows, she was ousted after losing against Jessica Pegula in straight sets. In an interaction with Sport.pl, renowned journalist Marek Furjan highlighted Iga’s struggles while giving an honest take on who can win the WTA Finals. He thinks Sabalenka will emerge victorious.

“The Belarusian woman is in great shape at the end of the season, she won the US Open, then the tournament in Wuhan. He has everything in his hands to finish the season as number one,” said Furjan. Further commenting on both the players, he added, “The Polish woman is not the main favorite to win the WTA Finals, Aryna Sabalenka will play this role in Riyadh.”

But why is it so? Simply because the journalist believes Iga’s new trainer won’t play a bigger role in the WTA Finals. The overall transition may take some time to come into effect. “It’s not possible for Fissette’s hand to be seen in Riyadh. However, these first matches will be very important to get to know each other better and develop a communication system. Traces of Belgian’s work can only be seen during the January Australian Open, and maybe even later,” he said.

Iga might not be a top pick, but it doesn’t seem to deter her spirit. The Pole recently made her first training appearance with coach Fissette, displaying her excitement to make a solid return.

Iga Swiatkek trains with coach Wim Fissette ahead of WTA Finals

The four-time Grand Slam winner arrived in Riyadh a few days ago. As of now, she’s practicing hard to improve her overall performance. Taking to her Instagram account, the Pole shared several pictures from her training session with the Belgian coach. Fissette was previously associated with the likes of Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep, and Naomi Osaka.

Under Wim’s tutelage, players have shown tremendous results in quick time. Iga Swiatek will hope for the same as well going forward. When she first announced her association with Wim, earlier this month, the player wrote on C, “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.”

Only time will tell if this partnership proves fruitful or not. Iga’s avid fans will look forward to a great comeback. Do you think she will regain her lost form in the upcoming WTA Finals? Let us know in the comments.