Iga Swiatek and her coaching transition aren’t exactly the smoothest version; as one would like it. With doubts cast over her latest pick, Wim Fissette, speculations are having a day out. However, the Belgian coach is already en route to quash relevant insights by pursuing a noteworthy tactic that will better assist him in helping the Pole finish strong this season.
The Pole headlined after parting ways with longtime coach Tomasz Wiktorowski on October 4. With speculations surrounding their surprise split, having enjoyed a highly successful partnership, the Polish coach cleared the air by refuting multiple rumors: “There have been a lot of speculations and insinuations. Our end of cooperation was done with respect for both parties, and no fake news will change that”. But that was hardly the end of troubles.
After announcing her newfound team-up with Fissette(on October 17), a few experts lamented Swiatek’s decision – citing respective reasons to back their claims. Regardless of such admissions, the Belgian coach is adamant about validating his seriousness and a fruitful future with the Pole No. 1. In a conversation with ‘Sport.pl’, the 44-year-old coach highlighted how Swiatek’s former coach shares an extensive history with him and further iterated his intention to chat with him, in hopes of visiting the Pole’s work ethic and welcome unprecedented insight.
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He said, “I have spoken to Tomasz Wiktorowski several times before. We are friends and I will want to contact him again.” For those unaware, Fissette previously worked with top-tier talents such as Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep, Kim Clijsters, and Victoria Azarenka. Following his split with Japanese Osaka after her premature US Open exit, the Belgian coach is likely looking to replicate his rich vein of results with the five-time major champion, Swiatek.
WTA World No.1 @iga_swiatek has a new coach 🤝
More details here: https://t.co/unzseUKZxt pic.twitter.com/ckwOsF5yxn
— wta (@WTA) October 17, 2024
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There are two sides to the coin here. On the one side, WTA star coach Rennae Stubbs criticized Fissette for his unconventional methodology of signing players under his tutelage saying, “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.” On the other, a tennis insider laid bare his ‘alarming’ insight into Fissette’s niches.
Expert skeptical about Iga Swiatek’s newfound partnership with Wim Fissette
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Is Iga Swiatek's partnership with Wim Fissette a risky move for her career?
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The sporting world isn’t alien to controversies, shocking claims, and speculations. However, when statements ring suspicion, things become rather intriguing. Iga Swiatek’s latest partnership with Wim Fissette screams something similar. “Not a man who has been introducing a revolution so far,” were the words of Eurosport commentator Lech Sidor, who cast doubts over Iga Swiatek’s latest coach pick, Wim Fissette.
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While iterating his response to the update, Sidor noted that the Belgian coach isn’t an ideal match for the Pole. He elaborated, stating that Fissette’s lack of grasp on ‘fine-tuning skills’ won’t lead Swiatek close to future Grand Slam crowns. “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.”
With the WTA Finals looming, Swiatek and Fissette will have to gear up and showcase their A-game if they aim to leave a lasting first impression on fans. Moreover, her synchronization with the coach will be seen first-hand when she battles in-form likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Is Iga Swiatek's partnership with Wim Fissette a risky move for her career?