2024 saw some surprising events. From retirements to coaching controversies, the tennis scene was full of it, wouldn’t you say? Amongst those few names is the top seed Iga Swiatek, who not only parted ways from her former coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski but also faced a one-month ban owing to her doping controversy. All this began in August and went on to the end of the season. It’s been quite a ride, and she’s still facing the heat for the doping scandal. On the other hand, while she’s got a new coach in Wim Fissette, could it be that the story is far from over?

The Polish star, who began 2024 as the world number one and won her fifth Grand Slam at the French Open, faced a doping controversy after testing positive for trimetazidine in August. She attributed the result to contaminated melatonin tablets, leading to a one-month suspension from the ITIA, which ended on December 4, 2024. Adding to the drama, she parted ways with Wiktorowski and began working with the former coach of Naomi Osaka for her 2025 season. But while many speculated about her next coach, one potential candidate may have been overlooked.

Earlier on Sunday, an X user tweeted, “Don’t know if this is common knowledge, but apparently Iga asked Andy to coach her before Novak asked him, but he said no to her because he couldn’t commit to doing the full season 👀.” And while it may seem unlikely, there could be a few dots lining up to this theory.

Around the time Swiatek was off the court, she sought a new coach. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic was also searching for a coach after parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic. By late November 2024, it was revealed that Andy Murray would join Djokovic’s team for the 2025 Australian Open. Despite retiring just months earlier during the Paris Olympics due to physical limitations, Murray expressed his love for competition. He noted that he loved “the traveling, the competition, practicing, and trying to get better.” This was seen as a key reason for his decision to coach Djokovic.

However, this week, Britton shared with BBC Sport that he didn’t foresee this partnership and had no plans for a full-time coaching position. After discussing the offer with his family, he received their support. He noted that if it were a “younger player” requiring a long-term commitment, he might have hesitated, but with Djokovic’s experience, he felt open to the opportunity, stating, “You never know if he’s doing well.” So, could that possibly be Swiatek? It is yet to be confirmed by either party.

On the other hand, speaking about the Pole’s coaching choice, she seems to have found a great fit in coach Fissette. With experience training top players like Osaka and Kim Clijsters, he comes with a plethora of information. He focuses on refining her game and understanding her unique strengths, aiming to boost her performance moving forward.

Wim Fissette sees Swiatek’s setbacks as a learning curve for both of them

Earlier this week, Fissette expressed his mixed feelings about Poland’s performance in the United Cup after securing second place. Despite a valiant effort, Iga Swiatek fell short against Coco Gauff in the final, losing 6-4, 6-4. “I am definitely disappointed that we did not win this tournament as a team,” Fissette admitted. “However, it was a very successful week, but at the same time an exhausting period with demanding matches. Iga did a great job; she left her heart on the court.”

Reflecting on Swiatek’s loss to Gauff, Fissette pointed to fatigue from the grueling tournament schedule. Matches against Karolina Muchova and Katie Boulter had already pushed Swiatek to her limits, leaving her drained before the final. “To beat Gauff, you have to be at your best physically and play at your best. We knew that in the final it was impossible,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Fissette emphasized the significance of rest and recovery for Swiatek. He acknowledged her mental and physical exhaustion but praised her determination to compete at the highest level. He added, “Even when I saw that she was very tired and I asked her if she wanted to rest, she said: ‘No, I’m here to win!’”

For her coach, the United Cup served as a valuable training opportunity. It also showcased Swiatek’s commitment to excellence. She is now preparing for the Australian Open, which starts on January 12 against Katerina Siniakova. With the support of her new coach, could Iga potentially add an AO title to her resume this year?