Tennis-Swiatek splits with coach Fissette after Miami Open upset


Tennis - Australian Open - Practice - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 9, 2025 Poland's Iga Swiatek with coach Wim Fissette during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open REUTERS/Edgar Su

March 23 (Reuters) - World ⁠number three Iga Swiatek has ended her ⁠coaching partnership with Wim Fissette, she said ‌on Monday, following a disappointing start to the season that culminated in a shock early exit at the Miami Open.

The ​24-year-old, who hired the Belgian ⁠in October 2024, said ⁠she had decided to take a different path after ⁠a ‌17-month stint that included her maiden Wimbledon title last year. However, Thursday's loss ⁠to world number 50 and Polish compatriot ​Magda Linette ‌at the Miami Open proved a turning ⁠point for ​the six-times Grand Slam winner.

"Miami was challenging for me. I feel disappointment, bitterness and responsibility for my ⁠performance on the court," Swiatek wrote ​in a social media post. "I’m grateful for (Fissette's) support, experience, and everything we achieved together—including one of my ⁠biggest dreams in sport."

Under Fissette’s guidance, Swiatek adapted her game to faster surfaces, winning titles in Cincinnati and Seoul in addition to her 2025 ​triumph on the London grass.

Fissette, ⁠who has previously coached major champions including Kim ​Clijsters and Naomi Osaka, said ‌on Instagram that both he ​and Swiatek had "wanted and worked for more".

(Tommy Lund in Gdansk, editing by Ed Osmond)

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