Iga Swiatek hiring ex-Naomi Osaka coach Wim Fissette earns tennis insider's approval for one key reason

Following Iga Swiatek's appointment of Naomi Osaka’s former coach Wim Fissette, journalist Ben Rothenberg shared his opinion on the move, stating that Fissette is likely to improve the Pole’s serve.

Swiatek and her former coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, parted ways in early October after three years together. During their partnership, Swiatek won four of her five Grand Slam titles and achieved the World No. 1 ranking on the WTA Tour.

The 23-year-old, who had previously stated that her next coach would not be Polish, announced on Thursday through a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Belgian coach Wim Fissette would be joining her team as she prepares for the WTA Finals, scheduled to start on November 2, 2024.

“I have news for you today as I'm excited and motivated to start a new chapter. I'm happy to announce that Wim Fissette is joining our team. As you know, I'm preparing for the WTA Finals but my perspective is, as always, long-term, not short-term.” Iga Swaitek said

After the announcement, journalist Ben Rothenberg shared that the 44-year-old coach was his predicted choice for Swiatek and considers him a great fit. He added that Fissette would help the Pole improve her serve, as he has done with his other players.

“Wim Fissette was my main prediction to be Iga Swiatek’s next coach, and I think he should be a great fit. He’s been especially good at strengthening serves of his players, which I think is the area where Swiatek has the most room to improve in her game,” Ben Rothenberg said.

Fissette boasts an impressive resume, having coached Grand Slam champions such as Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka, Petra Kvitová, Johanna Konta, and Angelique Kerber.

He recently parted ways with four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka after two stints together. The first stint saw them win the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open. Following Osaka's hiatus due to the birth of her daughter, Shai, Fissette rejoined her team upon her return to the WTA Tour.

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Iga Swiatek hopes to defend her WTA title in Riyadh

Iga Swiatek - 2023 WTA Finals - Final Day - Source: Getty

Iga Swiatek is aiming for her second WTA Finals title. The five-time Grand Slam champion hasn't competed in any tournaments since her 2024 US Open exit.

This season, she has claimed titles at the Qatar Open, Indian Wells Masters, Madrid Masters, Italian Open, and secured her fourth French Open title.

At last season’s WTA Finals, the 23-year-old defeated Markéta Vondroušová, Coco Gauff, and Ons Jabeur in the group stage. In the semifinals, she beat Aryna Sabalenka to set up the final against Jessica Pegula, whom she defeated 6-1, 6-0.

If Swiatek wins this edition of the WTA Finals, she would become the only active player to have won the tournament twice. Other active WTA players who have won the event include Caroline Garcia, Elina Svitolina, Caroline Wozniacki, Petra Kvitová, and Venus Williams and they haven't qualifed for this year's edition.