Iga Swiatek’s long-term partnership with Wim Fissette came to an end last week.
Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, won three WTA titles under the tutelage of Fissette, including the 2025 Wimbledon Ladies Singles title.
However, after a successful 2025 campaign on the Tour, Swiatek’s form has dipped dramatically and she is yet to win a title this year.
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In an Instagram post announcing the split from Fissette, Swiatek said she felt ‘bitterness’ after her recent run of poor results, concluding that she needed to ‘take a different path.’
Swiatek has now spoken to the media for the first time since the split, revealing the conversations she had with Fissette prior to his departure.
Iga Swiatek discusses her split from Wim Fissette for the first time
Speaking to Sport.pl about the split, Swiatek said: “This is a matter between us. I don’t want to go into details. It’s certainly not something someone like me decides to do after one failure.
“I wouldn’t make such a decision hastily. Sometimes you can see me as an emotional person, but I really don’t make decisions impulsively. I’m quite rational. I like to give myself time to make a decision.
“Besides, I don’t make many changes to the team. I think it’s a very good approach. I like to give the team the opportunity to ‘reset’ ourselves and start working a little differently.
“However, in this case, I felt that it was simply time for a change. Yes, it was not a decision made in Miami – it was a longer process in which I thought everything through carefully.
“During the tournament in Doha, I realized that I don’t feel as good on the court as before. Of course, at different tournaments there may be different reasons for a worse disposition – sometimes I just know that I was not focused that day, sometimes the forehand failed me, sometimes something else.
“It happens. But I had the impression that I didn’t play so well, so I started to lose my self-confidence.
“After the defeat with Maria Sakkari, we sat down and talked for a long time. We were wondering what to change and how to approach the next week so that I could get back to my solid game.
“And indeed, before Indian Wells we made some steps forward. But when I took the whole thing into account, I came to the conclusion that I needed a change.”
Swiatek then went on to describe the makeup of her ‘ideal’ coach, noting the importance of a coach’s decision-making and communication skills.
“Good question, although you should not judge a person only from this angle,” Swiatek began.
Do you think Iga Swiatek will win a Grand Slam this season?
“The ideal coach should have very good skills. ‘Eye’ to the game. Sensing what a player needs – in the short and long term.
“He must be able to make the right decisions: when to introduce new moves, new exercises, when to start changes in the game, and when to build the game on the strengths of his player.
“In terms of personality, he should be understanding and have good communication skills, because he should be the leader of the team.
“He must combine the work of all people and make everything work together.
“It must be someone with whom you just have a good time, because tournaments are long and there are also a lot of free time.
“It is crucial to find the right balance between all of this.”
Iga Swiatek’s 2026 season so far
- United Cup – Poland won the title
- Australian Open – Quarter-final loss to Elena Rybakina
- Qatar Open – Quarter-final loss to Maria Sakkari
- Indian Wells – Quarter-final loss to Elina Svitolina
- Miami Open – Second Round loss to Magda Linette
Swiatek is set to take a break from competitive play and return to action at the Stuttgart Open, which begins on April 13.
Swiatek has also withdrawn from Billie Jean King Cup participation, and this decision has been praised by legendary tennis coach Rick Macci, who described the choice as ‘very smart.’
Could Wim Fissette work with Amanda Anisimova next?
Wim Fissette has worked with multiple superstars on the WTA Tour, including Kim Clijsters, Naomi Osaka, and most recently, Iga Swiatek.
One superstar who is currently without a coach is Amanda Anisimova, who parted ways with long-term coach Hendrik Vleeshouwers earlier this week.
Kim Clijsters has suggested that Anisimova could turn to Fissette; and the Belgian could be the perfect addition to Anisimova’s team.
The American has struggled for consistency at the start of this year; and under Fissette’s guidance, the American could unlock her potential and finally win a Grand Slam title.
Fissette has an amazing track record with WTA players, and Anisimova could be the latest to achieve success with him, should she choose to hire the Belgian.
