By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday November 1, 2024
Photograph Supply: Matthew Calvis
As she ramps as much as play for the primary time since this yr’s US Open, issues will probably be very totally different on the floor for Iga Swiatek. Gone from her teaching field is Tomasz Wiktorowski, the person who helped information her to 4 of her 5 main titles. In is Wim Fissette, one other supercoach with a extremely regarded pedigree.
Talking to reporters forward of this yr’s WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Swiatek says that we shouldn’t anticipate an excessive amount of too quickly from the change – her determination was made with long-term progress in thoughts.
“I spent this time nonetheless taking part in tennis and for certain specializing in discovering new coach,” she mentioned of the time between at this time and the top of her US Open, the place she misplaced to Jessica Pegula within the quarterfinals. “Making this transition, it is all the time difficult. For me it is a determination hopefully for years as a result of I take a look at my profession sort of long-term.”
What sort of issues does the five-time Grand Slam champion and former World No.1 hope to be taught from Fissette?
“I feel it is sort of apparent,” she mentioned. “I for certain wish to enhance my serve, as I have been doing for previous years. I really feel like I nonetheless must proceed that. For certain I am not a whole participant. I feel tactically there are numerous methods I might go and have extra selection on court docket. Wim has some good concepts.”
Swiatek, who’s 54-7 on the season with 5 titles, says she’s completely satisfied to take issues gradual. The actual deep dive will occur within the pre-season leadup to the 2025 Australian Open.
“Actually for now we have simply been getting ready for this match and attending to know one another,” she mentioned. “The actual adjustments, we will speak about them throughout the low season as a result of that is the right time to do it. For now I have been making an attempt to simply be in the most effective form for this match. Some technicalities, we will work on them within the pre-season.” The Hunt for No.1 a Non-Issue
The media likes the narrative of a duel for the No.1 rating on the WTA Finals. They’ve it this yr because the Pole might recapture the No.1 rating from Sabalenka by making a title run, however Swiatek says it isn’t vital for her for the time being.
Does she know what number of factors she must take again the highest spot from Sabalenka?
“I do not. I wish to play the most effective sort of tennis. That is what I must do,” she mentioned, including: “She’s a terrific participant. She additionally sort of deserves to be world No. 1. For certain I will battle for me to be in that place.”
