Iga Swiatek releases major announcement days after breaking down in emotional interview | Tennis | Sport

Iga Swiatek has announced the end of her coaching partnership with Wim Fissette. The world No. 3 suffered a shock early exit at the Miami Open last week – her first opening-round defeat since 2021, ending an impressive 73-match streak. Following her 1-6 7-5 6-3 defeat to Magda Linette, the Polish star gave an emotional post-match interview and said: “I’m not good enough to have any expectations.”

And Swiatek has now made a major change to her team, parting ways with ‘super coach’ Fissette, whom she initially hired in October 2024. Under Fissette’s guidance, Swiatek was able to win her sixth Grand Slam title and her first at Wimbledon last summer.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, four days after her Miami Open exit, Swiatek shared a lengthy statement announcing her split from the Belgian tennis coach. “Sometimes life and sport bring moments like this… Miami was challenging for me. I feel disappointment, bitterness and responsibility for my performance on the court of course. I’ve also learned a lot of important lessons and I think that’s very human,” she wrote.

“That being said, after many months of working together with my coach @fissettewim I’ve decided to take a different path. It was an intense time full of challenges and many important experiences. I’m grateful for his support, experience, and everything we achieved together – including one of my biggest dreams in sport.

“Wim, thank you for this time and for the lessons I’ve learned thanks to you. I wish you all the best – both professionally and personally. The rest of my team remains unchanged. I know there are many questions, but I’ll let you know what’s next at the right time. I’m taking a moment to take care of myself, process this experience, and prepare for a new chapter. Simply, step by step, because as I often say – it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Thank you for your support. See you soon.”

Fissette also shared a statement on social media, writing: “You never know where life will take you and the ones you meet along the way. In 2018, I met Iga at the Wimbledon Champions Dinner after she won juniors. Seven years later, we won it together. A nice story.

“We both wanted and worked for more but shared important moments and lessons. Iga, I now wish you good luck and success in what’s next. I’m sure you will have it. Of course, a kind thanks to Iga’s fans, especially the Polish community for the support. I met many of you in person and appreciate the true passion you have for the sport. I hope it only continues to grow in the country. With my family here with me, I reflect on the kind messages I’ve received, and I’m really looking forward to the future.”

Fissette has previously worked with the likes of Naomi Osaka, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, and Kim Clijsters. As a coach, he has played a role in seven Grand Slam titles, including Swiatek’s triumph at Wimbledon last summer.

There has been early speculation that former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki’s father, Piotr, could coach Swiatek, but her team have already rubbished these reports, telling Polish journalist Dominik Senkowsi: “The separation from coach Wim Fissett has already been announced by Iga, and this is the only confirmed information in this regard.

“Regarding reports appearing in foreign media about alleged collaboration with Piotr Wozniacki, any information about names is purely media speculation and has no basis in reality. As always, Iga will announce personnel decisions in due time.”