As the sun sets on the 2024 season, there is massive movement in the players’ backroom staff. Last month, Coco Gauff split with the legendary coach, Brad Gilbert, and brought in Matt Daly to replace him. Not just Gauff, now World Number 1, Iga Swiatek, has also announced a shocking split with her long-time coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski. After a good start to the season, the Polish star lost track after her French Open win, which might be a major factor behind her decision. Nonetheless, she is one of the most sought after players in the WTA circuit right now and a surprising name has emerged to replace Wiktorowski as Swiatek’s coach.

As per reports from the Polish publication Sport.pl, Wim Fissette is leading the pack to become Swiatek’s next coach. Interestingly, Fissette is Naomi Osaka’s ex-coach, with the duo separating last month following Osaka’s poor performance at the US Open where she lost in the second round. Fissette is very well-renowned in the coaching circles and he was Osaka’s coach for almost 4 years, during which she won two Grand Slam titles.

Like Osaka, Swiatek is also in need of fresh brains to chalk out tactics on the court after her quarterfinal defeat at the US Open. She worked with Wiktorowski for three years and enjoyed tremendous success together. “After 3 years of the greatest achievements in my career, together with my coach Tomasz Wiktorowski we decided to part ways,” Swiatek announced on social media as she split with her compatriot.

Interestingly, Swiatek, while announcing her split with Wiktorowski, made it clear that she was looking for a coach from abroad. Being the top player in the world right now, the finances wouldn’t be a worry for her, which makes the case of Fissette all the more strong. However, the coaching change wasn’t the only big announcement made by Swiatek today.

Iga Swiatek pulls out of the Wuhan Open

After missing the start of the Asian Swing, the Polish star was due to play in the WTA 1000 Wuhan Open. However, she withdrew from the tournament at the eleventh hour and left her fans disappointed. Swiatek is yet to play a tournament after her quarterfinal exit at the US Open and it is unclear why she decided to pull out of the Wuhan Open.

Swiatek revealed, “After an important change in my sports team, I decided to withdraw from the tournament in Wuhan. I’m really sorry for fans in China and those who wait to see me play, but I hope you understand that I need some time.”

Earlier, Swiatek had pulled out of the China Open in Beijing, citing ‘personal’ reasons. It has been a long and hectic season on the WTA Tour and Swiatek would look to come back rejuvenated as she skips the Asian Swing of the WTA Tour.

Indeed, these have been turbulent times for Swiatek and she would look to bring in her new coach quickly to settle the matters ahead of the start of the next season. However, the big question still remains, who will be her next coach?