World No 1, Iga Swiatek, has made a significant announcement regarding her coaching team by revealing that she has parted ways with her long-standing coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski. The five-time grand slam champion stated her intention to hire a coach who is not Polish as she feels “ready to take the next step in my career.”
Swiatek and Wiktorowski have collaborated over the last three seasons, during which the 23-year-old ascended to the top spot in the rankings, holding the position for 123 weeks. Together, they achieved success at prestigious events, with Swiatek clinching three consecutive French Open titles and securing her first non-clay grand slam victory at the US Open in 2022.
Despite their achievements, Swiatek has not progressed beyond the semi-finals of a grand slam outside of the French Open since her US Open triumph. Following a busy summer schedule, Swiatek opted to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing to dedicate time to selecting a new coach.
Wiktorowski was an integral part of Swiatek’s team, which also includes fitness coach and physio Maciej Ryszczuk and psychologist Daria Abramowicz. Expressing her gratitude for their successful collaboration, Swiatek acknowledged the impact of Wiktorowski’s expertise and support in realising her dreams on the court.
In an Instagram post, Swiatek praised Wiktorowski’s dedication and strategic approach, crediting him with instilling in her the ambition to become the world’s top-ranked player. She highlighted their shared pursuit of excellence, resulting in numerous tournament victories and four grand slam titles.
Looking ahead, Swiatek disclosed her plans to engage with potential coaches from overseas, emphasising her readiness for a fresh perspective to advance her career. Having secured notable wins on hard courts in Qatar and Indian Wells this season, Swiatek’s performances at the Australian Open and US Open fell short of her expectations.
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka’s recent successes in capturing three out of four hard-court grand slam titles, including this year’s Australian Open and US Open, have intensified competition at the top of the rankings, posing new challenges for Swiatek as she navigates the next phase of her career.