After teaming up with a new coach, Iga Swiatek is preparing for an awaited return. Her split from former trainer Tomasz Wiktorowski was highly debated. But the Pole didn’t let it affect her long term goals and for what’s next to come. Just few days after parting ways with the Polish coach, she announced her partnership with Wim Fissette. WTA Finals will be her first main event under his tutelage. But will she succeed in Riyadh?

Well, some of the pros think there are high chances of Iga Swiatek performing well at the WTA Finals. Former American player Pam Shriver believes the former World No.1 will need to have a strong head, above anything else, to get great results under Fissette. In one of the newest episodes of the Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast, Shriver said, “I want to see Iga’s anxiety level. I do think being a head coach these days of these big time players, there has to be part of you that buys into the mindset. And while I know Iga has someone in charge of mindset, I think that’s gotten very complicated for Iga. And I think Wim has the respect and the experience. I expect him to help make a difference with how she maybe processes the anxiety that she feels on the court.”

Pam suggested that Wim might be able to connect with Iga at a deeper level – which is very-very important, considering what transpired with her previous association. Although both Swiatek and Tomasz denied any bad blood, she’s been visibly far from her usual self.

According to Shriver, the new coach may help Iga in getting back to a winning attitude. “I think Iga is going to come back pretty strong. We see her athleticism, her movement, her strength, and she’s willing to work on with tweaking of the serve,” she said. Referring to Fissette, she added that Iga’s now “got somebody well and truly that also believes they can be number one in the world.” While Pam is supporting Iga’s alliance with Wim, other notable figures believe things may not go as smooth as expected.

Rumors suggest a quick transition for Iga Swiatek under Wim may not be possible during WTA Finals

One of the renowned voices in the world of tennis, Marek Furjan recently expressed his thoughts on Wim Fissette. He tried to imply that his involvement may not be as evident at the WTA Finals. In simple words, a sudden impact might not be possible to witness during the upcoming event.

“It is not possible that Fissette’s hand will be visible in Riyadh. However, these first matches will be very important to get to know each other better, to work out a communication system. Traces of the Belgian’s work will probably be visible only during the Australian Open in January, or maybe even later, in February or March,” said Furjan.

Moreover, there are other concerning aspects as well surrounding Fissette. Especially, when it comes to similarities with Iga’s former coach Wiktorowski himself. According to another prominent voice Krzysztof Rawa, “Fissette is also a kind of ‘laptop coach.” Plus, he also mentioned that Wiktorowski named Fissette as a role model for his methodology and overall approach. Does that ring any alarm bells for Iga going forward? Only time will tell the answer.

What do you think about Iga Swiatek’s decision to join Wim ahead of the WTA Finals? Will she win the WTA Finals under his tutelage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.