No. 1 Iga Swiatek splits with coach after three years
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World No.1 Iga Świątek has recently announced her decision to part ways with her long-time coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, after a highly successful three-year collaboration. Świątek revealed this decision in October 2024, marking the end of a professional partnership that saw her ascend to the pinnacle of women’s tennis, achieving remarkable feats like winning four Grand Slam titles and holding the No.1 ranking for over 120 weeks.
The split appears to be amicable, with Świątek expressing deep gratitude for Wiktorowski’s contribution to her career. She highlighted that his strategic and analytical approach played a crucial role in transforming her game at a time when she needed fresh perspectives and a shift in mindset. Under Wiktorowski’s guidance, Świątek’s most notable achievements include her historic 37-match winning streak in 2022, as well as numerous titles at prestigious tournaments like the French Open and WTA 1000 events. Wiktorowski, who had previously coached Polish tennis legend Agnieszka Radwańska, helped Świątek reach heights she had only dreamt of when they first began working together.
The reasons behind the split are personal and not tied to any recent professional setbacks. Świątek’s statement suggests that Wiktorowski may have been seeking a well-deserved break after the intense travel and workload of coaching a world No.1 for three years. Both parties acknowledged the toll that the global tennis circuit can take on personal lives. In her message, Świątek expressed her best wishes for her coach, emphasizing the strong bond they shared throughout their partnership.
In addition to the split, Świątek has recently withdrawn from two major tournaments, the China Open and the Wuhan Open, signaling that she may be taking time to recalibrate before making her next moves. As she prepares to find a new coach, she has begun talks with potential candidates, particularly from outside Poland, indicating her readiness to evolve and take further steps in her career.
Świątek’s next big challenge will be the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where she will aim to solidify her status as the world’s top player. This change in her coaching staff comes at a time when competition in women’s tennis is fierce, with rivals like Aryna Sabalenka closing in on her No.1 ranking. Świątek’s decision to seek new coaching guidance could mark the beginning of another transformative phase in her career, as she continues to aim high.
