Swiatek splits from coach after Miami exit

Iga Swiatek of Poland talks to coach Wim Fissette

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption,

Swiatek won three titles while working with Fissette - including Wimbledon

ByEmily SalleyBBC Sport journalist

Published1 hour ago

Six-time major winner Iga Swiatek has parted ways with coach Wim Fissette following her early exit from the Miami Open.

Fissette joined Swiatek's team in October 2024 and helped her claim a first Wimbledon title in July.

The 24-year-old added two more WTA Tour titles - at Seoul and Cincinnati - while working with the Belgian last year.

However, she has had a poor start to the season and failed to advance past the quarter-finals at all four of the tournaments she has played at in 2026.

Swiatek was knocked out in the second round of the Miami Open on Thursday when she was stunned by her Polish compatriot and world number 50 Magda Linette.

It was the first time in 74 tournaments that Swiatek, who received a first-round bye, had lost her opening match in a WTA Tour event.

"Miami was challenging for me. I feel disappointment, bitterness and responsibility for my performance on the court of course," the world number three said on Instagram on Monday.

"I've also learned a lot of important lessons and I think that's very human.

"That being said, after many months of working together with my coach Wim Fissette, I've decided to take a different path."

Swiatek's career Grand Slam bid falls flat against Rybakina
- Published28 January
'Who would have expected that?' - Swiatek triumphs on grass
- Published12 July 2025

'Confusion & complicated' - why Swiatek has moved on from Fissette

ByJonathan JurejkoBBC Sport tennis news reporter

With the trophy tucked under one arm and a microphone held with the other, Swiatek's first act as Wimbledon champion was hailing Fissette's input.

She had previously been unable to thrive on the grass in her senior career, but had made "one of her biggest sporting dreams come true" with the guidance of a coach who further garnished his own CV by leading another big name to a major.

Improving her belief by focusing on her footwork and solidifying her serve was the key. But piecing everything together across a whole tournament proved to be more of an exception than the rule.

Swiatek, a natural introvert, plays her best when she has clarity and confidence, waiting for the opportunities to punish her opponents from the baseline.

Fissette trying to develop her style over the past 18 months has often led to Swiatek becoming increasingly stressed when things are not going her way in a match.

Becoming flustered has led to wild fluctuations in her level and produced rash errors instead of her previously reliable groundstrokes.

After one of the most deflating defeats of her career in Miami, Swiatek talked about feeling "confused" on court and how the game had become "complicated" in her head.

She cut a forlorn figure when speaking to reporters - and her demeanour suggested a change in the coaching box would be coming.

The rest of her team - psychologist Daria Abramowicz, physio Maciej Ryszczuk and hitting partner Tomek Moczek - remain in place.

Some wonder whether Abramowicz - who has been by Swiatek's side at each of her Grand Slam wins - needs to be more accountable given the player's problems arise from her on-court mentality.

Quickly making the move to dispense with Fissette allows the opportunity to reset, and likely get back to basics, before four-time French Open champion Swiatek attempts to regain her 'Queen of Clay' crown in the next phase of the season.

How big-name partnership unfolded - and ended

Swiatek hired Fissette after ending a three-season partnership with fellow Pole Tomasz Wiktorowski, who helped her win four Grand Slam titles.

The 46-year-old had previously worked with former Grand Slam winners Kim Clijsters, Angelique Kerber and Naomi Osaka during his coaching career.

"I'm grateful for his support, experience, and everything we achieved together - including one of my biggest dreams in sport," Swiatek added.

"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."

Swiatek said the rest of her coaching team will remain unchanged and that she would let her fans 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," she added.

While wishing her the best, Fissette noted that both he and Swiatek had aimed for more success during their partnership.

"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," he said on Instagram.

"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."