World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has officially begun her search for a new coach, marking the end of a three-year partnership with Tomasz Wiktorowski, a collaboration that saw her dominate the WTA Tour, winning four Grand Slam titles and spending over 120 weeks at the top of the rankings. While the news of their split came as a surprise, it seems like a natural progression for Swiatek, who has had mixed results in 2024, particularly struggling to make an impact at Grand Slam events outside of her beloved Roland Garros.
Swiatek’s announcement on social media confirmed her intention to move beyond familiar coaching circles, opting to work with an international coach for the first time in her career. “Due to this important change on my team, I give myself a couple of weeks to start a cooperation with a new coach,” she explained. “I’m in the middle of first talks with coaches from abroad (non-Polish) because I’m ready to take the next step of my career.” With a clear plan to evolve her game, Swiatek’s choice of coach could significantly shape the next phase of her career.
As the tennis world speculates about her next move, there are several high-profile coaching candidates who could be in the running to guide the 23-year-old phenom. Here’s a look at some of the top names Swiatek might consider:
Wim Fissette
One of the most seasoned coaches on the WTA circuit, Wim Fissette recently became available after parting ways with Naomi Osaka. Fissette’s track record is impressive: he guided Osaka to the 2020 US Open and 2021 Australian Open titles. His coaching résumé also includes helping Kim Clijsters win three of her four Grand Slam titles and guiding Angelique Kerber to her Wimbledon victory in 2018. Fissette’s experience working with top-tier players and his ability to manage the immense pressure that comes with being at the pinnacle of the sport could make him a perfect fit for Swiatek, as she seeks to solidify her position at the top.
Torben Beltz
Another strong candidate is Torben Beltz, best known for his work with former World No. 1 Angelique Kerber, whom he coached to multiple Grand Slam victories, including the Australian and US Open titles in 2016. While Beltz hasn’t had a full-time coaching role in recent years, his success in guiding big-name players through the ups and downs of their careers is well-documented. In addition to Kerber, Beltz has worked with Donna Vekic, Emma Raducanu, and Anett Kontaveit, all of whom benefited from his experience and strategic insight. For Swiatek, who is now looking for a fresh perspective, Beltz’s wealth of knowledge could offer a valuable edge.
Craig Tyzzer
Perhaps the most intriguing option is Craig Tyzzer, the former coach of Ashleigh Barty, who famously guided the Australian to World No. 1 and three Grand Slam titles, including Wimbledon. Tyzzer’s approach to coaching, which focused on maximizing Barty’s unique all-surface game, helped her reach unprecedented heights before her shock retirement. While Barty’s game differs significantly from Swiatek’s, Tyzzer’s ability to refine and adapt a player’s strengths across various surfaces makes him an attractive candidate. The real question is whether Tyzzer, who has been out of the coaching spotlight for two years, is ready to return to the tour life. If he does, his calm demeanor and tactical mind could make him an excellent partner for Swiatek.
Craig Boynton
While Craig Boynton’s experience lies primarily in coaching ATP players, his recent work with Swiatek’s compatriot Hubert Hurkacz could make him a familiar and comfortable choice. Boynton helped Hurkacz reach a career-high World No. 6 ranking and secure two Masters 1000 titles, along with a Wimbledon semifinal appearance. His experience guiding players through pressure-packed situations and his familiarity with Polish tennis could be a strong draw for Swiatek. Though Boynton’s experience with WTA players is limited, his success with top male players like Jim Courier and John Isner suggests he has the expertise needed to help Swiatek achieve even greater heights.
Dark Horses and Other Options
While these names are the most prominent, Swiatek’s search may also extend to lesser-known but highly respected figures in tennis coaching. She has emphasized that she is ready to explore options outside of her comfort zone, which means Swiatek might bring on a coach who offers new insights into her game, particularly in areas where she has struggled this year, such as hard and grass courts.
Timing and Decision-Making
Swiatek has indicated that she will take a few weeks to finalize her coaching decision, leaving fans to speculate on who will guide her next. With the WTA season winding down and tournaments like the Wuhan Open on the horizon, Swiatek is eager to begin this new chapter under the guidance of a fresh set of eyes.
As Aryna Sabalenka continues to battle Swiatek for the top spot in the WTA rankings, the timing of this coaching change is critical. The right hire could be pivotal in ensuring Swiatek continues to hold her own against her rivals and pushes for even more Grand Slam success beyond the clay courts of Paris.
Whoever Swiatek chooses, the next coach will face the challenge of maintaining the Polish star’s momentum while helping her evolve to meet the demands of a constantly changing WTA landscape. Whether it’s a veteran like Fissette or Beltz, or a more surprising name like Tyzzer, Swiatek’s decision could define the next era of her career. With four Grand Slam titles already under her belt and a clear hunger for more, the world No. 1 is set for an exciting new chapter, and the tennis world is eagerly awaiting her next move.
