Iga Swiatek Ends Partnership with Coach Wim Fissette After Miami Open Upset

Iga Swiatek announced the end of her coaching partnership with Wim Fissette on March 23, 2026, parting ways with the Belgian coach following a three-set defeat to fellow Pole Magda Linette at the Miami Open. Swiatek, ranked world No. 3 and a six-time Grand Slam champion, confirmed the split via an Instagram post, saying she had "decided to take a different path." The loss to Linette, the world No. 50, ended a remarkable run of 73 (consecutive wins) — opening-round victories on the WTA tour for the 24-year-old. Swiatek dropped the match 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, a result that proved a turning point in her decision to change her coaching setup. The announcement came just weeks before the start of the clay-court season, the surface on which Swiatek has built much of her reputation.

Swiatek reflects on Miami disappointment and gratitude Swiatek addressed the split with measured words, expressing appreciation for what she and Fissette had built together. „I'm grateful for his support, experience, and everything we achieved together -- including one of my biggest dreams in sport.” — Iga Swiatek via The Independent She also acknowledged the weight of the Miami result. „Miami was challenging for me. I feel disappointment, bitterness and responsibility for my performance on the court of course.” — Iga Swiatek via The Independent Swiatek said she would take time before announcing her next coaching appointment. „I know there are many questions, but I'll let you know what's next at the right time. I'm taking a moment to take care of myself, process this experience, and prepare for a new chapter.” — Iga Swiatek via The Independent She confirmed the rest of her support team would remain unchanged, signaling a targeted rather than wholesale reset of her setup.

Fissette guided Swiatek to Wimbledon glory in 2025 Fissette's tenure with Swiatek produced one of the most significant results of her career. Under his guidance, Swiatek claimed her maiden Wimbledon title in 2025, defeating Amanda Anisimova in the final. That victory came just weeks after Swiatek was beaten by Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals of the French Open, a tournament she had won four times previously. Fissette is a highly regarded figure in women's tennis, having previously worked with WTA world number ones Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber, and Naomi Osaka, according to his Wikipedia entry. His record of developing and maintaining top-ranked players made him a sought-after figure in the sport. The split leaves him available for other high-profile coaching roles as the season progresses.

Clay season looms as Swiatek seeks new direction The timing of the coaching change places Swiatek in an unusual position heading into the clay-court swing, which begins next month. Clay is traditionally her strongest surface, with four French Open titles to her name, including three consecutive victories from 2022 to 2024. Swiatek's dominance on clay has been a defining feature of her career. She won the French Open in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024, establishing herself as the most successful player on the surface in her generation. Her 2025 Wimbledon title, won under Fissette, added a grass-court Grand Slam to her collection, bringing her total to six major titles. Linette, the player whose victory triggered the coaching change, played down the significance of the result, according to web search results, noting that there are not many Polish players on tour and she did not wish to make a fuss. The defeat nonetheless represented a rare and notable stumble for Swiatek in the early rounds of a major Miami Open draw. Swiatek now faces the challenge of identifying a new coach and building chemistry quickly, with the French Open — the tournament she has dominated for years — approaching in late May.