Wim Fissette started working as a coach with Iga Świątek, the world’s best tennis player over the past three years, in October of this year. 

What did Wim Fissette say about starting the collaboration? “I have known Iga since 2018 when she won the Wimbledon junior title. The moment I received the offer to work with her was one of the most beautiful in my career. I have been watching her matches for many years, and it will be fantastic to work with her. I had no doubts. This was what I wanted to do,” he said in an interview on Eurosport, his first after the nomination. “I think this factor can work both ways,” responds Fissette. “In such a situation, after a coach change and a long break, you are physically and mentally refreshed, which can help. But on the other hand, you may lack match rhythm. The first match will be crucial. If she wins it, there should be no problems afterward. Iga usually starts the year well, so she doesn’t need many matches to get into the rhythm. Of course, Iga has her strengths, but she must also keep developing. We need to spend time together and see how she reads the game, how she moves, how she evolves. We need to spend time together and set some goals. I base my work heavily on data. I want Iga to approach the net more often, to take the initiative. I think this will take a few months,” predicts Fissette.

Wojciech Fibak on Iga Świątek: “I’m not surprised by this choice, as Fissette was at the top of the list of candidates to work with Iga. He is a coach with a wealth of experience and a gentle character. He fits into Iga’s team. Also, I think it’s an honor for Fissette to work with Iga,” says Fibak.

Mats Wilander on Iga Świątek: “When we watched Rafael Nadal on hard courts, it was clear that he had to slightly adjust his game from clay courts,” recalls Wilander. “But the fundamentals of his game remained the same; he continued to emphasize the forehand with a heavy topspin. In my opinion, Iga will never win as much on fast hard courts as on clay courts, but I think she shouldn’t seek big changes, just build on her clay game, on the forehand with topspin. Like Rafa did,” adds the Eurosport expert.

Andy Roddick on Iga Świątek: “I don’t think she would win a sprint race against everyone on the Tour, but the way she moves — slides, hits, and at the end of the slide, her foot is suddenly positioned toward the center again — all of this is done in one motion in a way that makes me sick with jealousy. I think her footwork from the baseline is the best I’ve ever seen,” says Andy Roddick. “Although we know she’s good, her career is now almost underrated. Four Grand Slam titles, eight wins in WTA 1000 events, and a total of 19 trophies. Świątek is entering a rare era, like Henin, Sharapova, Davenport, or Clijsters, and she’s only 22. That’s one tough woman, man. She can play,” he said after the Indian Wells final in March. “She reminds me a little of Steffi Graf when she was in top form,” he adds.

Martina Navratilova on Iga Świątek: “The comparisons of Świątek to Evert are agreed upon by another tennis legend, Martina Navratilova. “She is indeed similar to Evert. Her topspin drives her opponents crazy, and she moves on the court like no one else,” said the Czech for the official WTA website. “Iga has perfected everything: sliding, movement, and recovery. Her aggressive game wears out her opponents. She is consistent and wins the most important matches. That’s why she has been number one for so long, and Paris is the perfect place for her to play,” added Navratilova.”

Team Winner Energy on Iga Świątek: “A lot has been written about the influence of psychologist Daria Abramowicz on the sporting success achieved by Iga Świątek. What seems to be very significant for the positive role she played is certainly what Iga herself says: “I’m lucky that I met Daria on my path. We have been working together since 2019; she helped me build my team and advised me on my duties.” To put it simply, Daria Abramowicz primarily contributed to creating a safe haven for the then 18-year-old Iga in all areas of her presentation and interaction within the tennis world, which was crucial for maintaining full concentration during tennis matches.“