World No.3 splits with coach after Miami Open nightmare

Iga Swiatek has split with her coach Wim Fissette following a shock opening round elimination at the Miami Open.

The world No.3 announced her split from Fissette, who she had worked with since 2024 and claimed her first Wimbledon title with last year, via an Instagram post on Tuesday

Swiatek said she felt it was time "to take a different path" to help progress her game.

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Wim Fissette shakes hands with Iga Swiatek.

"It was an intense time full of challenges and many important experiences," she wrote.

"I'm grateful for (Fissette's) support, experience, and everything we achieved together – including one of my biggest dreams in sport.

"Wim, thank you for this time and for the lessons I've learned thanks to you. I wish you all the best – both professionally and personally."

Swiatek was beaten in three sets by world No.50 Magda Linette in the second round in Miami last week, having been granted a first-round bye. The defeat ended her run of 73 straight opening-round wins on tour.

She conceded that while she did learn "a lot of important lessons" in leaving the tournament early, she was disappointed in her overall performance. 

“Miami was challenging for me," the 24-year-old added.

Iga Swiatek in action at the Miami Open.

"I feel disappointment, bitterness and responsibility for my performance on the court.

"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. Simply, step by step, because as I often say – it's a marathon, not a sprint."

Fissette said he was grateful for his time working with Swiatek in a post on Instagram.

"You never know where life will take you and the ones you meet along the way," he said.

"In 2018, I met Iga at the Wimbledon Champions Dinner after she won juniors. Seven years later, we won it together. A nice story.

"We both wanted and worked for more but shared important moments and lessons.

"Iga, I now wish you good luck and success in what's next. I'm sure you will have it.

"I'm really looking forward to the future."

Naomi Osaka of Japan and her coach Wim Fisette during a training session ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Fissette has worked with a number of top players throughout his coaching career, including the likes of Naomi Osaka, Kim Clijsters and Victoria Azarenka.

He had only recently parted ways with Osaka, who was struggling to find consistent results, when he joined Swiatek's team.

The Japanese star had won two titles with Fissette before she looked for a new coach.

– Additional reporting by Alyssa Bone

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