World No. 2 Iga Swiatek’s recent decision to part ways with longtime coach Tomasz Wiktorowski and hire Wim Fissette has sparked intrigue in the tennis world. Renowned journalist Jon Wertheim shared his insights on the Polish star’s new partnership, highlighting her struggles at Majors outside the French Open and potential dynamics with Fissette.
A “Dazzlingly Talented” Player with Vulnerability
Wertheim praised Swiatek as “dazzlingly talented” and a “generational talent,” but noted her underwhelming results at Grand Slams besides Roland Garros. Since her 2022 US Open triumph, Swiatek has failed to advance past the quarterfinals of any Major.
“Swiatek is such a fascinating player in some respects. She is dazzlingly talented. She is a concierge-level athlete. She could retire tomorrow and go down as a generational talent. And yet … there is this real vulnerability to her game. Especially off of clay, her results at majors are sorely lacking,” Wertheim said.
Discomfort and Lack of Joy
Wertheim attributed Swiatek’s struggles to her discomfort with celebrity status and lack of joy on the court. “For a top player, she projects so much discomfort. Part of that is humanizing… Part of it is her unease wearing the jacket to her, a straitjacket, of celebrity.” He expressed his desire to see Swiatek compete with more visible signs of joy.
New Coach Dynamics: Fissette and Abramowicz
Wertheim raised concerns about Fissette’s dynamic with Swiatek’s sports psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, given their “extraordinarily close” bond. “How will the coach fare? One variable here: Iga Swiatek is extraordinarily close to her psychologist Daria Abramowicz. Usually, the coach doubles as a motivator, hype man, and dimestore shrink.”
Andy Roddick’s Reservations
Former World No. 1 Andy Roddick echoed Wertheim’s sentiments, questioning whether Fissette would attempt to make significant changes to Swiatek’s game despite her existing success. Roddick speculated about the duration of their partnership, wondering if it’s a temporary or long-term arrangement.
“But going into a very established team that has had a lot of success, wedging yourself in there. Do you want to make a bunch of changes? Are you trying things out for the rest of the year?” Roddick questioned.
Swiatek’s Next Move
Swiatek will debut her new partnership with Fissette at the 2024 WTA Finals, seeking to defend her title and reclaim the World No. 1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka. As the tennis world watches, one question remains: can Fissette help Swiatek overcome her vulnerability and achieve consistent success across all surfaces?
