Dariusz Ostafiński, Polsat Sport: Iga Świątek has her first tournament behind her with her new coach, Wim Fissette.
Tomasz Tomaszewski, Polsat Sport commentator:I will say right away, however, that it is definitely too early to analyze the coach’s work.
So when?
We will be able to say more in the middle of next season. Preferably after Wimbledon. We need to give the new coach time. Fissette is a great coach and I count on him to enrich Iga’s tennis. For now, I really liked what I heard on Sky News, where the Belgian said that it was an honour for him to be able to work with Iga Świątek.
Did he say anything else?
Even that he learns a lot from her. These words mean a lot, because let’s remember that he worked with great players. I’ll say it straight, I really hope that Iga will like Wimbledon someday. Maybe because of Fissette.
It’s possible.
I would like to add that I also count on the fact that with the help of the new coach Iga will plan the season wisely, that he will do it in such a way that he does not suddenly lose his strength. I think that is also possible. The synergy between Iga and the Belgian is probably already there.
Świątek played in the WTA Finals after a long break. In your opinion, did this break do her any good?
Yes, I have the impression that she did her good. After the phenomenal first half of the season, Iga needed a break. To regain freshness, hunger for tennis, joy of playing. It is also important to use your body wisely. And in the first half of the season, Iga either won or reached the finals of major tournaments. Often week after week, like when she won in Madrid, Rome and Paris. After all, we all want Iga to be at the top of world tennis for as long as possible.
How do you rate her playing?
In her last match she crushed Kasatkina, who is a top ten player. In this last match of the group stage Iga showed a great game.
However, the first match with Krejcikova was difficult, she lost the second with Gauff.
It’s never easy to get back on the court after such a long break. Iga showed great ambition and resilience in this match. Against Gauff, on the other hand, she played her worst match. There’s something to improve with her forehand, but she’ll have time for that. Paradoxically, the fact that she’s out may help her in the BJK Cup. She’ll be fresh.
That’s for sure, but the Gauff mishap has to be worrying.
However, it is difficult to call it a slip-up.
Previously, Iga had beaten Gauff with one hand.
In sports, you can never say that something is certain, that winning is a formality. Gauff is third in the ranking, she advanced to the final by defeating Sabalenka. She is a tennis player who is making huge progress. Losing to her does not bring any disgrace. Iga has not played for a long time, so I would not draw any conclusions based on this match.
And based on the entire WTA Finals?
Here it’s faster. Iga was eliminated, winning two out of three matches. Against Kasatkina, it was Iga at her best, dominating and full of momentum. That must fill me with optimism. All in all, I see positives in Iga’s lack of advancement from the group. She’ll be fresh and hungry for revenge. I’m waiting for the great Iga in Malaga.
