“It’s always the coach that has to go”: Wim Fissette reflects on Iga Swiatek split
WTASaturday, 04 April 2026 at 19:00
Wim Fissette addressed the end of his partnership with Iga Swiatek after 18 months working together, outlining the structural realities behind coaching changes at the highest level. Speaking to The Athletic, the Belgian coach explained that the decision followed a familiar pattern in elite sport, where expectations remain constant and adjustments are often made quickly when results no longer align with those standards.
Swiatek, currently ranked World No. 4, enters the clay swing at a moment of adjustment. After her separation from Fissette, she recently confirmed that she will work with Francisco Roig — former coach of her idol Rafael Nadal, and who had recently been working with French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Her return is expected in Stuttgart, opening a crucial stretch on a surface that has historically defined her success. However, she has not lifted a clay title since Roland Garros 2024, and the mission in 2026 will be to reclaim her place as the 'Queen of Clay.' With the help of Roig, Swiatek hopes to find on her favourite surface the momentum needed to return to being the dominant player on tour.
For Fissette, the outcome was not unexpected. Over the past decade, he has built a reputation as one of the most experienced coaches on the WTA Tour, working with multiple Grand Slam champions including Kim Clijsters, Angelique Kerber and Naomi Osaka.
His track record includes guiding players to major titles and helping them navigate transitions at different stages of their careers. Those experiences informed his view of the situation. At the top level, results are closely tied to expectations, and when those expectations are not met, the coach is often the first to be replaced.
“Some teams feel something needs to change”: Coaching dynamics under pressure
Fissette described the decision-making process as something that varies between teams, particularly under pressure. Some environments remain stable during difficult periods, while others move quickly toward change as a way of resetting direction. “There are some teams that can stay really calm under, let’s say, difficult conditions. Others feel like something needs to change.”
He also pointed to a consistent pattern across professional sport, where responsibility tends to fall on the coach regardless of broader context. “As in every sport, it’s always first the coach that has to go. At the highest level in sports, this is part of the job. You have to accept that.”
The expectations surrounding Swiatek only amplified that reality. When Fissette joined her team in late 2024, he stepped into a project already defined by sustained success and high internal standards. “They were almost unbeatable for a few years. The expectations are going to be super high. Every loss will hurt extra.”
Read also
“It was impossible to do better”: A complex project with high expectations
Fissette acknowledged from the outset that the challenge would be significant, not because of deficiencies, but because of the level Swiatek had already reached. Improving a player at that stage requires incremental adjustments rather than structural change, which can make progress harder to measure.
“I was aware of the difficulties in this project. It was impossible to do better. But I was still really happy that I took the challenge, and happy with what we achieved. Iga is such an extraordinary player and athlete.”
Communication also played a role in the process. As the only non-Polish member of the team, Fissette operated in a different linguistic and cultural environment, which added another layer to the working relationship. “Every word I say is new to her. Out of respect for Iga, I don’t want to go deep into that.”
Beyond the immediate context, Fissette framed the situation within a broader discussion about player development, particularly how elite players respond to setbacks and evolution in their game.
“If you look at the best players in the world in the past 20 years, it’s, ‘How can I learn to improve and to develop?’” the Belgian coach explained. “Especially after losses, it was difficult to look at the development instead of like, ‘Let’s just keep trying to do what was working.’”
“She goes back to familiar people”: Return to familiar structures
Fissette also highlighted a tendency among top players to lean on familiar structures during more difficult phases. Long-standing relationships within a team can become more influential when results fluctuate.
“She has been working with the same people for a lot of years, and she’s been super successful for years,” Fissette said. “It’s normal that in, let’s say, challenging times, that she kind of goes back to these people or maybe wants more from these people.”
As Swiatek prepares to return on clay in Stuttgart, the focus shifts back to performance. In 2025, she faced the pressure of defending a significant number of points and titles — including two WTA 1000 events and the French Open. This time, she does not defend titles, and the clay swing represents an opportunity to collect a strong number of points and to return to winning titles that can rebuild her confidence for the rest of the season.
Iga Swiatek – Clay Season 2025
| Tournament | Round | Opponent | Opponent Ranking | Score |
| Stuttgart Open | Quarterfinal | Jeļena Ostapenko | No. 24 | 3–6, 6–3, 2–6 |
| Madrid Open | Semifinal | Coco Gauff | No. 3 | 1–6, 1–6 |
| Italian Open | Third Round | Danielle Collins | No. 15 | 1–6, 5–7 |
| Roland Garros | Semifinal | Aryna Sabalenka | No. 2 | 6–7(1–7), 6–4, 0–6 |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Illness? Sure, sick over the fact she's run out of legit coaches. Also, perhaps another bout of allergies to 'work' and instruction.
- Two major problems with sports (and Life) in today's world... 1. Self-imposed "experts" like Gilbert, Clijsters, and Stubbs can't keep their nasty opinions and rumors to themselves. They feel a need to talk about things they have no relation to, nor a clue. 2. People & anti-Social Media.
- Anyone else notice how general mental & physical fatigue is a major issue now, given WTA's ignorant refusal to consider the stress of their idiotic scheduling and additional demands??
- What a load of bullshit. Artur Szostaczko failed to mention that he didn't get hired!!
- Almost condescending. BTW: That was another anti-climactic Final compared to several of the excellent pre-Final matches.
- Sounds like maybe a mental health break? Miss her on the tour. My favorite American female player. Hurry back Emma!
- Why are microphones even allowed in front of the coaching boxes??? In this age of hi-tech, whatever is heard (strategy or otherwise) can instantly be relayed to any given opponent. How and why did WTA decide to slip this past everyone? Also, these strategic placements of mic's is obvious stupidity initiating a commentator's personal decision to expound upon -- and apologize for -- foul language, etc., when a player or team member curses, etc. Then media pounces upon every off-color phrase or word in their sensationalistic "news coverage". This practice of literally -- and openly -- eavesdropping needs to stop!!
- So she actually CAN think clearly! If she wants to play tennis, make it a priority. Learn from Life choices (like having a kid with her rapper ex). Today's game is a grueling exercise in Humility if one is not fully dedicated; or does not have the time to do The Work. Raducanu is a shining example of someone with the talent but lacks the drive, attitude, and/or devotion it takes to maintain 100% capacity of everything the Tour demands.
- It's as if troubled 'Condescending Collins' is competing with The Williams' for the daily spotlight. Some just do not know when to quit. Go fix yourselves and stop informing the public of your personal problems. The general public has their own issues in Life.
- Coach Macci and Martina Navratilova are seemingly the only reasonable voices coming out of the tennis circuit in regards to Iga at the moment. People like Stubbs, Gilbert, and anti-Social Media dwellers have very little or nothing to offer. What they are indeed is... predictable. Why certain media think their input is of value is a mystery. Perhaps easy filler for their publications? Media, in general, could/should consider their poor choices and lazy habits of running to the Loudest Mouths for "expert advice". Certain Internet 'news sources' might do their own research and STOP COPYING & PASTING the first articles to hit the web with little-to-no editing or true journalism. As for Iga (and any athlete) they are not robots. They are Human Beings and Humans, as we all know, are not infallable. Leave the expert criticisms and "solutions" to these athletes and their teams. Disgruntled bettors and so-called "experts" are not a solution!
Loading