"When someone like Iga gains confidence like that, anything’s possible" - Wim Fissette discloses belief he felt in Iga Swiatek ahead of triumphant Wimbledon campaign

Wim Fissette has enjoyed a hugely successful coaching career, having aided the likes of former world number one's and multiple Grand Slam champions Victoria Azarenka, Simona Halep, Naomi Osaka, and now Iga Swiatek.

The 45-year-old touched on the partnership with the Pole, focusing on her outstanding Wimbledon campaign and her ability to switch off when away from tennis. As well as that, he pointed out the big changes in women's tennis, and the former major champion who gave him the confidence to coach at the top level.

With a large number of tennis coaches being well-known names in the tennis world with a lot of calibre, it was harder for Fissette to ascend towards their heights. He stated that he needed a period to convince himself this is where he belongs, and he go a huge helping hand from a two-time Grand Slam champion.

"Yeah, it did — but more within myself. I needed time to truly have confidence and believe in myself, to believe that this is my spot: coaching the best players in the world," Fissette said in an interview on The Inside-In podcast. "One of the players who really helped me with that was actually Vika (Azarenka). It was a very important moment in my career — I almost decided to stay home and not be on tour again. My wife was pregnant at that time, and things weren’t going so well on tour for me. Then I got a call from Vika, and she was so confident in me, not only as a coach but also about my family — that they could travel wherever they wanted and always join me."

It was a huge step for the Belgian, whose bond with Azarenka is very high. "That was really special, because I never believed it was possible to combine coaching a top player with a good, balanced family life. That was super important for me. Vika also believed in my coaching style so much — that’s why, after she gave birth, I went back, because we had such a great partnership. I really enjoyed that time.

Fissette pointed out two 'crucial' components in women's tennis that has changed over 10 years. "First, the serve — every player now has a big first serve, and a break really means a break," Fissette said. "Ten years ago, that wasn’t always the case, except maybe when you played Serena (Williams)."

He also touched on the growing physicality of the top players, citing big hitters who can return powerful shots. "Second, the game has become so physical. Players hit bigger, more spin, and even from defence, they can counterattack much quicker," he said. "Ten years ago, if you hit a big ball into the corner, it came back as a slice or loopy ball. Now players are so strong and fast from the corners. Those two things have completely changed the game."

Continuing on from this, he highlighted how much tennis is played today, noting Swiatek as one of the most active. This is why they work so hard on keeping her fit and fresh, allowing her rest when needed to prevent consequences from occurring.

"It’s a very important topic. We have a whole team around the player now," he said. "With Iga, I’m really fortunate — she’s monitored so well and tested daily. She plays more matches than almost anyone on tour, so it’s important that she gets her rest when she needs it, has shorter practice days when required, and that we push only when it’s time to push. That balance keeps her healthy physically and mentally. She also works with a sports psychologist, and together as a team, we make those decisions based on her physical and mental state — not on results alone."

Fissette was hugely impressed by Swiatek not just off the court, but off it as well. "Her intensity in practice is exactly the same as in matches. I saw that even before working with her. What I’ve really learned, though, is how she manages the days between matches — especially at Grand Slams. After matches, she goes into full relaxation mode — to the park, to the beach — just switches off completely. That’s why she’s able to bring full focus again for the next match. It’s something I’ll definitely advise future players: the ability to fully switch off is a superpower."

After enduring a slow start to the season, Swiatek had only reached one final and was tumbling down the rankings in 2025 as she headed to Wimbledon. Two weeks later, and she had added a sixth Grand Slam to her arsenal on a surface that she had not been highly touted on in the past.

Despite this, Fissette had a feeling something special was brewing. "Afterwards, it’s easy to say yes — but I did feel positive signals. When I started with Iga, many Polish journalists asked, 'She’s great on clay, but what about grass?' I always believed she could do well there. Past champions weren’t just big hitters — they were great movers and thinkers, and Iga fits that.

"After working together for six months, I got to know her better. We trained in Mallorca after Paris, mixed work and rest, then played Bad Homburg. I saw her level growing match by match, her confidence building day by day. And when someone like Iga gains confidence like that, anything’s possible. Those last two matches — against Bencic and Alexandrova — were perfect performances. Watching them back still gives me chills."