Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, November 1, 2024
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis
On the surface, things will look very different as she is competing for the first time since the US Open this year. Iga Swiatech. Gone from her coaching box was Tomasz Wiktorowski, who helped guide her to four of her five major titles. In beam picetAnother super coach with a highly regarded pedigree.
Speaking to reporters ahead of this year’s WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Swiatek said one should not expect too much from the changes too soon. Her decision was made with long-term growth in mind.
“I was still playing tennis and I definitely spent some time focusing on finding a new coach,” she said of the time between today and the end of the US Open, where she lost to Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals. “Making these transitions is always tricky. For me, I look at my career long-term, so I want to make this decision over a number of years.”
What does the five-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one want to learn from Fisette?
“I think that’s kind of obvious.” she said “I definitely want to improve my serving like I have over the past few years. I still feel like I need to continue. Obviously I’m not a perfect player. I think tactically there are a lot of ways I can be more diverse on the court. Wim has a great idea.”
Swiatek, who went 54-7 on the season and won five titles, said he was happy to take things slowly. The real in-depth analysis will take place in pre-season ahead of the 2025 Australian Open.
“Honestly, so far we’ve been just preparing for this tournament and getting to know each other,” she said. “The real change will happen in the offseason. Because that’s the right time. For now, I’m just trying to stay in top shape for this tournament. We plan to improve some technical aspects in pre-season.” No.1 Hunting for Non-Factor
The media loves stories about a duel for first place in the WTA Finals. This year, they have it as Pole can make a title run and reclaim the top ranking from Sabalenka, but Swiatek says that doesn’t matter to her at the moment.
Does she know how many points she needs to regain top spot from Sabalenka?
“I’m not. I want to play my best tennis. That’s what I have to do,” he said. “She’s a great player. She also deserves to be number one in the world. I’ll definitely fight to be there.”
