Top 5 Coaches Iga Swiatek Can Consider
After Parting Ways with Tomasz Wiktorowski, Including Wim Fissette, Naomi Osaka’s Former Coach
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek dropped a huge bombshell on Friday (October 4) as she announced her separation from her coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski. They started working together towards the end of 2021. Their partnership was off to an incredible start as the young Pole mounted an incredible campaign in 2022.
Swiatek won the French Open, the US Open, and four WTA 1000 titles that year, and went on a 37-match winning streak. She maintained a steady level of success under him, and added another couple of Major titles, five WTA 1000 titles, and a WTA Finals title as well.However, Swiatek’s game, while highly efficient, also appeared to have plateaued under Wiktorowski for a while now. As she looks to level up, here are five potential coaches she could team up with:
Having parted ways with Naomi Osaka only a few weeks ago, Wim Fissette is on the lookout for a new gig as well. He helped the Japanese claim two of her four Major titles, and resumed working with her yet again after she announced her comeback.
Osaka isn’t the only high-profile player coached by Fissette. He led Angelique Kerber to her Wimbledon title in 2018, and helped Kim Clijsters claim a couple of US Open titles as well.Fissette also worked with Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka, and Petra Kvitova, among others over the years. While he didn’t help the trio win any additional Major titles, they did perform quite well in other tournaments under his guidance. Given his prior experience with so many big names, Iga Swiatek could benefit greatly by working with him.
Marian Vajda played a pivotal role in Novak Djokovic’s career and was by his side for a long time. He worked with the Serb for nearly two decades, and guided him to 20 of his 24 Major titles, and 85 of his 99 career titles.
They went their separate ways in 2022, and Vajda started to coach compatriot Alex Molcan after the split. However, he wasn’t able to help his protege blossom in the same way as Djokovic, and called time on their partnership a year later.Vajda could now be on the lookout for a different opportunity, and working with Iga Swiatek could be right up his alley. While he has never worked with a WTA player before, he could be up for the challenge. The 23-year-old’s work ethic and commitment is reminiscent of Djokovic, and he could be drawn to that.
Rennae Stubbs, a four-time Major champion in doubles, could be another potential fit for Swiatek. Her most recent gig as Serena Williams’ coach certainly makes her a quality pick for the job. She worked with the American towards the very end of her career, and was with her until the tennis legend’s final match at the US Open 2022.
Brad Gilbert’s tenure as Coco Gauff’s coach came to an end last month after working together for over a year. He helped the young American claim her maiden Major title at last year’s US Open.
Prior to teaming up with Gauff, Gilbert worked with some of the most well-known names on the men’s tour. His most successful partnership was with Andre Agassi, and helped him secure six of his eight Major titles. The two worked together from 1994 until 2002.Gilbert then joined forces with Andy Roddick in 2003, and guided him to his only Major title at the US Open 2003, and to the top of the rankings as well. He then worked with Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori, though Grand Slam glory evaded him.
Ivan Lendl’s numerous accomplishments as a player already made him one of the greats of the sport. He further cemented his credentials as a coach as well after his retirement, especially as Andy Murray’s coach.
Murray and Lendl’s partnership lasted for nearly eight years, though there were a few breaks in between. He led the Brit to all of his biggest career achievements, including three Major titles, two Olympic gold medals, the ATP Finals, and the No. 1 ranking.Lendl also worked with Alexander Zverev from 2018 to 2019, and helped him win the ATP Finals. However, their split wasn’t that amicable. Someone with his level of expertise would definitely add more dimensions to Iga Swiatek’s game and take her game to the next level.
