by Wim Fissette is ready to take Iga Swiatek’s game to the next level as he revealed the aim is to win more Grand Slams outside of Roland Garros.
After disappointing successes on grass and North American hard courts, Swiatek announced at the beginning of October that she had separated from Tomasz Wiktorowski after three successful years together.
Nineteen of Swiatek’s 22 WTA singles titles – including four major titles – came under Wiktorowski’s tutelage, but the 23-year-old felt “ready for the next step in her career” when she decided to look outside for a new coach looking from Poland.
She turned to Fissette and he has a Grand Slam winning pedigree, having guided Kim Clijsters (3), Angelique Kerber (1) and Naomi Osaka (2) to major trophies.
He hopes to achieve similar success with Swiatek, but he wants the Pole to win big titles away from her beloved clay court.
“Our goal is for Swiatek to win additional Grand Slam titles on other surfaces as well. Clay court season has its own twists and turns. “Many games and tournaments will be played in a short period of time,” he said Eurosport Poland.
“You have to find a rhythm, gain confidence and after Paris it’s time to move to different surfaces. Then there is the opportunity to work on playing on other surfaces and try to be successful there.”
Although Swiatek remains world No. 1 and has won the most titles (5) this year, many believe she has fallen behind Aryna Sabalenka, as the Belarusian has won the Australian Open and US Open.
The Pole leads their direct duel 8-4, but Sabalenka and her fellow batsman Elena Rybakina have caused Swiatek big problems off the clay court.
Fissette was asked how he plans to prepare his player mentally for big games and believes technical and tactical analysis of rivals will be crucial.
“Top players want to play big games, that’s their main motivation. Usually they don’t have any problems with it, it makes them happy,” he said.
“How do I work? I have information, videos. I prepare my players, we discuss strengths and weaknesses, prepare tactically and draw conclusions.
“With tennis players like Aryna Sabalenka or Elena Rybakina, you do an analysis and look for a way to beat them.”
Iga Swiatek News
Who is Iga Swiatek’s new coach Wim Fissette? The Belgian has coached WTA stars at six Grand Slams
Iga Swiatek’s former coach defends himself against “fake news” and addresses claims that Pole’s psychologist played a role in the split
But it’s not always easy to take a top player’s game to the next level, especially if he has already won Grand Slams and topped the WTA rankings.
“On the one hand, it is said that you should never change your winning tactics in tennis,” explained Fissette. “On the other hand, Iga has her strengths, but as I said, you have to develop and that will be very important.
“I see the progress she has made in the last two years. Firstly, she moves better on the pitch. She’s been a joy to watch over the last two seasons.
“We need to spend more time together to see certain things. To understand how she sees her future, her development. We have to work harder and set certain goals. I analyze all the information. Based on this, it is easier to identify what needs to be improved, then set goals and, after a few months, analyze what we do next.”
