Just when we thought everything was finally riding smooth, a potential hiccup might thwart those chances. Iga Swiatek appointed Wim Fissette as her new coach days after parting ways with Tomasz Wiktorowski after a highly successful three-year partnership. However, what fans don’t know is an apparent downside to her latest pick. Notably, an expert has warned that the Belgian coach might not be able to live up to the hype.

After coaching top-tier players – including the likes of Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep, Kim Clijsters, and Victoria Azarenka, Fissette has now found his way to the World No. 1’s coaching staff. In a statement on social media, an optimistic Swiatek announced the update stating: “I’m happy to announce that Wim Fissette is joining our team. 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”. The Eurosport commentator Lech Sidor, however, doesn’t agree as he opines that Swiatek’s choice is risky.

During a live program on the ‘Meczyki channel,‘ Sidor highlighted that Fissette is “not a man who has been introducing a revolution so far.” He also claimed that the Belgian coach seldom partakes in fine-tuning technical issues and expects an already well-established skillset in players – despite bringing his A-game in formulating ‘tactical plans.’ This, in turn, urged the commentator to cite that Swiatek’s choice might extract a heavy toll on her WTA commitments, with possibilities of enduring undesired results on the Grand Slam stage.

He said, “Fissette was always a very good analyst. He made good tactical plans, but he didn’t get into technical nuances. He wasn’t a fan of big changes, he preferred to come a bit ready-made. He’s not a man who has been introducing a revolution so far. What will happen to Iga? I think that following a similar path may not be enough to maintain the level and continue winning Grand Slam tournaments.”

For those unaware, Fissette parted ways with Osaka after a premature end to her US Open run. Following their breakup, WTA star coach Rennae Stubbs criticized Fissette, all while unraveling the main reason behind the duo’s split. “He (Wim Fissette) likes the money. I know for a fact. You know, some of the things that got him fired from other jobs was that he wanted more money.”

However, contrary to Sidor’s opinion, Swiatek and Fissette’s newfound partnership was validated by another tennis insider for one major reason.

Iga Swiatek earns acclaimed journalist’s approval following team-up with Wim Fissette

Polish superstar Iga Swiatek enjoyed a stellar run with ex-coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, which saw her accession as the world-ranking leader and bag several Major titles. However, her latest partnership with Wim Fissette received a bitter response from the community. With some casting doubts on the team-up, acclaimed journalist Ben Rothenberg chimed in to validate her decision.

Rothenberg stated that Wissette was his main prediction to join forces with World No. 1 and they would turn out to be a good fit. Moreover, he added that Fissette’s addition to the Pole’s team can help improve her serve – as happened with other players working under Fissette’s guidance. “Wim Fissette was my main prediction to be Iga Swiatek’s next coach, and I think he should be a great fit. He’s been especially good at strengthening the serves of his players, which I think is the area where Swiatek has the most room to improve in her game,” Rothenberg said.

For now, only time will tell whether this partnership can present noteworthy results on the tour. Notably, the Pole’s upcoming WTA Finals commitment will hint at what can be expected of the World No.  1 in the 2025 season.