"Sometimes life and sport bring moments like this," Świątek wrote on social media.
"Miami was challenging for me. I feel disappointment, bitterness and responsibility for my performance on the court," she added. “I’ve also learned a lot of important lessons, and I think that’s very human.”
Świątek, a former world No. 1, suffered a shock 6-1, 5-7, 3-6 defeat to fellow Pole Magda Linette, ranked No. 50, in the second round of the Miami Open last week.
The loss marked her earliest tournament exit since August 2021, when she was eliminated in her opening match.
Iga Świątek. Photo: Hameltion, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
'I’ve decided to take a different path'
"That being said, after many months of working together with my coach Wim Fissette I’ve decided to take a different path," Świątek wrote.
"It was an intense time full of challenges and many important experiences. I’m grateful for his support, experience, and everything we achieved together—including one of my biggest dreams in sport," the six-time Grand Slam champion added.
The 24-year-old claimed her first Wimbledon title in July last year under Fissette and also won the Cincinnati Open in August and the Korea Open in September.
“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,” she added.
Wim Fissette. Photo: PAP/CAROLINE BLUMBERG
Świątek said the rest of her team remains unchanged.
"I know there are many questions, but I’ll let you know what’s next at the right time," she said. "I’m taking a moment to take care of myself, process this experience, and prepare for a new chapter. Simply, step by step, because as I often say—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Fissette replaced Tomasz Wiktorowski as Świątek’s coach in October 2024. Wiktorowski had coached her since 2021, taking over from Piotr Sierzputowski.
Świątek did not say who would replace Fissette.
(gs)
Source: TVP Info, IAR, PAP