“I read in one of the articles that Wim Fissette is very different from Tomasz Wiktorowski. Well, I think the opposite – that he is a very similar coach. Fissette is also a kind of ‘laptop coach’,” said renowned journalist Krzysztof Rawa. His remarks came following Iga Swiatek‘s partnership with Wim as her new trainer in October. After three years of association, the former World No.1 parted ways with Tomasz. While Rawa believes Fissette won’t prove to be a positive change for her, a former WTA pro and an Australian veteran reckon that Fissette is the right choice for Swiatek ahead of the new season.

In an episode of the Rennae Stubbs Podcast, dated December 23, former WTA legend Rennae Stubbs had a lot to say about Iga’s new trainer. Speaking with ex-pro Andrea Petkovic, she mentioned how, contrary to Tomasz, the new coach has a different personality. “So I think it’s gonna be, it’s more about, but again, new coach, new perspective, definitely a lot different personality to Tomasz Wiktorowski, who’s a little demure and a little dour on his good days,” she said. “The man who never smiles,” she took a jab at the former trainer.

Putting a lot of faith in Fissette, Stubbs said that under him, Iga may have a fun time playing. And that she won’t feel the negativity that she might have felt under Wiktorowski. “I think Iga needs to be far from that personality (Tomasz) because she’s already pretty uptight and, you know, a pretty quiet person in and of itself. And I think you need somebody around that it’s gonna make this sport fun,” she concluded.

For the unversed, Wiktorowski joined Iga in 2021. He played a crucial role in Swiatek’s meteoric rise, as he helped her win four Major trophies and 19 titles. Not to mention Swiatek also claimed the No.1 ranking under him while accomplishing the longest winning streak on WTA Tour this century.

But earlier this year, rumors of conflict between them started circulating. According to some floating speculations, Wiktowroski was mostly limited to the training sessions of Swiatek. And that they used to stay in separate hotels on WTA tours. Per the Eurosport commentator Lech Sidor, “some friction started” to appear earlier this year, before the eventual split.

Now that Wim is her new trainer, Iga hopes to have a good time under him. She made it evident while announcing her partnership with him, back in October.

Iga Swiatek looks forward to having a great time playing under Wim Fissette

Iga achieved a lot of success under Tomasz but there were certain challenges she couldn’t overcome. For example, her struggles on the hard court and grass court were very evident. This is something she’s yet to improve on. She is hoping that Wim will help her fulfil this objective. While announcing her team-up with the Belgian, Swiatek revealed her excitement to work with Fissette. Moreover, she also touched upon the qualities that made her hire him.

“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.” said a confident Iga Swiatek in her Instagram post, dated October 17.

After Fissette’s arrival, however, Swiatek’s return to form has been in bits and pieces. Last month, she couldn’t extend her run at the WTA Finals. She was eliminated in the group stage and failed to defend her title. Then at the BJK Cup finals in Malaga, she came back strongly and led Poland to its first-ever semifinal appearance in the event’s history.

But the actual test of this chemistry will begin with the next season. At the Australian Open, it will be intriguing to see whether Wim will guide Swiatek to her first hard-court Major title. Swiatek is yet to clinch an Australian Open trophy in her career. Will she finally make it happen in 2025? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.