Few coaches in modern tennis can boast a résumé like Wim Fissette. The Belgian tactician has guided a remarkable list of world number ones and Grand Slam champions — from Victoria Azarenka and Simona Halep to Naomi Osaka and now Iga Świątek.
In a candid discussion on The Inside-In Podcast, Fissette reflected on his journey, his bond with Swiatek, and the evolving face of women’s tennis.
Building a Coaching Identity
Fissette’s rise wasn’t instant. In a sport where ex-players dominate coaching roles, he had to prove he belonged at the elite level. One crucial turning point came thanks to Victoria Azarenka.
“I needed time to truly believe that this is my spot — coaching the best players in the world,” Fissette admitted. “Vika helped me so much with that. I was close to staying home — my wife was pregnant, things weren’t going great on tour — and then she called me. She was confident in me not just as a coach, but as a person.”
That call reignited his belief. “I never thought it was possible to combine coaching at the top with a balanced family life,” he said. “Vika showed me it was. That trust meant everything.”
How Women’s Tennis Has Transformed
With over a decade of experience at the sport’s highest level, Fissette has witnessed seismic changes in the women’s game.
“The serve has completely changed the landscape,” he said. “Now, every player has a big first serve — a break really means a break. Ten years ago, that wasn’t the case unless you played Serena.”
He also highlighted the increasing physicality: “Players hit bigger, with more spin. Even from defence, they can turn a point around instantly. Before, a heavy shot into the corner would come back as a slice — now it’s a counterpunch. The game’s become brutally fast.”
Managing the Modern Schedule
Fissette credits Swiatek’s success not just to talent, but to balance — physical, mental, and emotional.
“We have a full team around Iga. She’s monitored daily — and that’s crucial, because she plays more matches than almost anyone. We adjust her workload constantly. Shorter practices when she needs rest, full push when she’s ready. It’s about keeping her sharp, not overworked.”
He also praised Swiątek’s mental recovery habits. “Her ability to switch off is elite. Between matches at Slams, she disappears into full relaxation mode — parks, beaches, just unwinds. Then she comes back locked in. That’s a superpower I’ll tell every player about.”
The Seeds of Wimbledon Triumph
When Swiatek arrived at Wimbledon in 2025, she was under pressure. Her season had stuttered, and her grass credentials were under scrutiny. Two weeks later, she lifted her sixth Grand Slam title, completing a stunning turnaround.
Fissette had sensed the shift early.
“When I started with Iga, people said, ‘She’s great on clay, but what about grass?’ I always believed she could adapt. The past champions weren’t just big hitters — they were thinkers and movers. Iga is both.”
Their pre-Wimbledon preparation in Mallorca and Bad Homburg proved decisive. “I saw her confidence build every day,” he said. “By the time she reached the second week, she was flying. Those matches against Bencic and Alexandrova — perfect performances. Watching them back still gives me chills.”
The Fissette Formula
Fissette’s coaching philosophy blends science, empathy, and belief — a mix that has helped the world’s best reach new heights. But as he puts it, confidence is the true catalyst.
“When someone like Iga gains confidence like that,” he smiled, “anything’s possible.”