Iga Swiatek parts ways with tennis coach after stunning loss: ‘Worst nightmare’

Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek has parted ways with her coach, Wim Fissette, who joined her in 2024, after enduring her “worst nightmare” in a second-round loss at the 2026 Miami Open.

Swiatek, who is currently ranked No. 3 in the world, explained that she has “decided to take a different route” after falling to world No. 50 Magda Linette and snapping her record of 73 consecutive opening-match wins on Thursday.

“Sometimes life and sports bring moments like this… Miami wasn’t easy for me I feel disappointed, and of course a feeling of insufficiency and responsibility for what happened on court,” Swiatek wrote in an Instagram post on Monday, including a photo of her giving Fissette two high fives. “I also have a lot of important points to take, and I think it’s very human.

“At the same time, after many months of working with the @fissettewim coach, I’ve decided to take a different route. It was an intense time full of challenges and a lot of important experiences. I’m grateful for his support, experience and everything we’ve accomplished together – including making one of my biggest sporting dreams come true.

“Thank you Coach for this time and the lessons I’ve learned thanks to you. I wish you well both professionally and privately.”

Swiatek shared that “the rest of my staff remains unchanged” and she will share an update in due time.

Iga Swiatek of Poland talks with her new coach, Wim Fissette, during a practice session ahead of WTA Finals Riyadh as part of the Hologic WTA Tour 2024 at King Saud University Indoor Arena on October 30, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images

The 24-year-old won her first titles at Wimbledon and Cincinnati, last July and August respectively, with Fissette.

“I know a lot of questions come up, but I’ll let you know what’s next in due time,” Swiatek continued. “Taking a moment for self care, process this experience and prepare for my new chapter. Simply, one step at a time, because as I often say, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

“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.

Iga Swiatek (POL) hits a forehand against Magda Linette (POL) (not pictured) on day three of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 19, 2026. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Fissette reflected on their career success in his own Instagram post, sharing a photo of the pair shaking hands on the court.

“You never know where life will take you and the ones you meet along the way,” Fissette began. “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.

Fissette thanked Swiatek’s fans, “especially the Polish community for the support,” and said he’s looking forward to the future.

After the defeat in Miami, Swiątek told reporters that she was in “the worst nightmare a tennis player can have” and that tennis “feels complicated in my head.”

“Unconsciously ot consciously it’s hard for me to change things, and then my tennis kind of collapses,” Swiatek said.

“So I need to work now to get back from that, because for sure I haven’t felt things like that for like five years.”

The news came after Swiatek was visibly frustrated at her team, including psychologist Daria Abramowicz, toward the end of her quarterfinal defeat to Elina Svitolina at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., earlier this month.