Fissette, on Swiatek's doping case: "I was sure of her innocence from the beginning"

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Iga Swiatek is going through the worst moment of her career after it was announced that the Polish player has been suspended for doping, testing positive for a banned substance. The world number 2 was able to prove that the substance, trimetazidine, was present due to contamination in a melatonin she takes to address her sleep issues. As a result, Swiatek could not compete in the Asian tour, as she was provisionally suspended until proving her innocence, and we could see her at the WTA Finals alongside her new coach, Wim Fissette. In October, it was announced that the Belgian would be her new coach, already aware of the problems the Polish player was facing.

However, Fissette agreed to join the team without hesitation, as he never doubted the integrity of Swiatek. “Trust is the foundation of good relationships in our team from the beginning. Iga told me about the case and left the decision about our cooperation to me. I have been observing her for a long time, her values, work ethic, and standards. I was sure of her innocence from the beginning, so it did not influence my decision to join the team. It was an extremely stressful and difficult situation for Iga and the entire team. However, Iga is a fighter on and off the court, and she won this tough battle. Now we will focus together on the upcoming season, supporting each other and working as a team,” said the coach to The National.

Both could lay the foundation of their collaboration at the WTA Finals held in Riyadh from November 2 to 9. That was their first tournament together, and although Swiatek ended up falling in the semifinals and couldn't maintain the number 1 position at the end of the year (Aryna Sabalenka took it), it was a great experience for both: “As a coach, working with someone like Iga is a dream. Everyone has seen her matches, but probably also her training sessions. She brings intensity and focus, she is determined and has a mission every time she steps on the court. That is something I have always admired in her, the concentration she puts into matches as well. She starts the match with 100% energy and focus, and she literally maintains that at every point of the match. That is what I have always admired in her. She is already very successful, but I also believe we can further develop her; there is room for growth, and I hope we can achieve it,” quoted Fissette.

Areas to Improve for 2025

The decision to part ways with Tomasz Wiktorowski was not easy, but Swiatek felt the need for a change. Thus, for the first time, she was going to have a non-Polish coach, necessitating communication in English. However, the world number 2 took a step forward by hiring a great foreign coach who has worked with other players like Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep, Kerber, and Azarenka. So, what will they need to work on the most for improvement next year? “In general, outside clay courts, she sometimes feels she really has to change her game too much. Therefore, when playing against strong hitters, she feels she may have to hit harder than them. In that sense, I feel she has to stay a bit truer to her game and use her weapons, like powerful spin. There is no need to play lower. Everyone feels uncomfortable with a high contact point, and I think finding a way to do it is important. I believe her forehand is a weapon, but I want to make it an even bigger weapon, perhaps also be stronger in defense and improve the serve with more speed and precision,” explained Wissette.

“That is the goal,” Wissette revealed while mentioning which Grand Slam will pose the biggest challenge. “I think Wimbledon will probably be the toughest Grand Slam to win for her, but I see potential. Look at some past champions, Simona Halep, Vondrousova… you have either big hitters or some who move incredibly well on grass. Iga moves very well, and she can hit the ball very hard too. She has a great return, and I see things in her game that can be very positive for the grass season. But when you win Rome, Madrid, and Paris, you need a break. Then, perhaps, like this year, there is no time to play a preparation tournament. And without a preparation tournament, you will never have full confidence,” he added.

It remains to be seen how Swiatek will face the new season, as she is currently in the eye of the storm due to all the controversy surrounding her case.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fissette, sobre el caso de doping de Swiatek: "Estaba seguro de su inocencia desde el principio"