As the 2025 tennis season unfolded, Iga Swiatek completed a striking transformation — from clay-court prodigy to an all-surface Grand Slam champion. Central to this evolution is the influence of her coach, Wim Fissette, whose timely insights and strategic adjustments have repeatedly arrived just when Swiatek needed them most.
A Strategic Shift Begins
In October 2024, Swiatek made a bold decision: she parted ways with longtime coach Tomasz Wiktorowski and brought in Wim Fissette, the Belgian mentor behind champions like Kim Clijsters, Naomi Osaka, and Angelique Kerber. Fissette joined the team at a critical moment just before a temporary suspension that threatened both her form and fragmenting public narrative. Fissette entered Swiatek’s world as a proven architect of major successes. He had guided Clijsters to multiple Grand Slams, including a remarkable comeback, and steered Osaka toward her biggest title. His arrival signaled both continuity and a reinvention.
Evolutions in Style and Substance
Swiatek’s gifts—topspin-laced power, exceptional footwork, and slide-worthy defense—were already well known. But Fissette identified crucial areas where adaptation was needed:
- Serve and precision: He emphasized improving serve speed and placement, especially on faster surfaces.
- Footwork and depth: Swiatek was encouraged to enhance her recovery and defensive stance as points intensified.
- Maintaining identity: Fissette reminded her to stay true to her strengths—her topspin, aggression, and early offense—rather than trying to out-hit big hitters.
Swiatek herself acknowledged the dynamic. She humorously said, “I’m a bit stubborn… [Fissette] has to be patient,” explaining that she needs tangible on-court proof before fully adopting adjustments.
Turning Moment: Wimbledon 2025
All of those tweaks culminated most visibly at Wimbledon 2025, where Swiatek stunned the tennis world with a flawless 6–0, 6–0 win over Amanda Anisimova in the final—her first Wimbledon title and one of the most dominant Grand Slam finals in decades.
Fissette’s impact went deeper than stats. Guardian profiling credited him for aiding Swiatek’s mental reset after her suspension and for offering tactical advice, especially during her French Open run—such as advising her to stand deeper on returns against Elena Rybakina in a critical moment.
He observed:
“Even in Paris she was calmer… I felt after Rome there was a switch. She focused on developing as a player rather than just winning.” His belief in her grass-court potential bolstered her confidence: “Once she was convinced, she got better every day. She just texted me… ‘Maybe it was not a bad idea’.”
The Power of “Right Words at Right Moments”
What sets Fissette apart is timing and personalization. He knew when to challenge Swiatek’s rigidity—but he also knew when to let her rediscover her instincts. His adjustments weren’t radical—they were subtle, measured, and instinctively aligned with her game.
That rare combination—carefully chosen words at pivotal junctures—helped Swiatek evolve rather than overhaul. It’s a method that respects her strengths while expanding her game.
Continuing the Climb
The results post-Wimbledon have been telling:
- Swiatek is now among the few players to win majors on all three surfaces by age 24.
- Her Grand Slam quarterfinal streak across all four tournaments this year reflects her growing consistency and adaptability.
Fissette’s philosophy echoes: “Even when you’re world No. 1… you need to keep evolving.”
A Partnership in Motion
Their partnership remains a work in progress, defined by trust and mutual respect. Swiatek continues to resist change until convinced, but Fissette patiently provides the proof she needs on court. This duo has already rewritten expectations and broadened what Swiatek can become. The foundation is set—not just for more titles, but for deeper, more holistic growth.
Final Thoughts
Iga Swiatek’s evolution has been as much about mindset as it is about mechanics. Wim Fissette’s role goes beyond tweaking strokes—he has delivered clarity when Swiatek needed it most. His ability to say the right thing at the right moment has guided her through adversity and into new realms of dominance.
In the relentless evolution of elite tennis, it’s not just physical skill that defines a champion—it’s timing, trust, and transformation. Swiatek and Fissette are proving that together, they can provide all three.
