Danielle Collins did not hesitate when weighing in on Iga Świątek’s decision to part ways with coach Wim Fissette. Speaking candidly during a recent Tennis Channel segment, Collins framed the move as both logical and necessary, emphasizing that evolution in tennis often comes through change. Her remarks arrive at a pivotal moment for Świątek, who is searching for answers after a rare dip in form disrupted her dominance on the WTA Tour.
Why Iga Świątek Split With Coach Wim Fissette After the Miami Open
On March 23, Świątek announced her split from coach Fissette following a disappointing second-round exit at the Miami Open. The loss to fellow Pole Magda Linette was a major catalyst for the decision, as it snapped Świątek’s remarkable 73-match winning streak in tournament opening rounds.
In an Instagram message, Świątek expressed a sense of “disappointment, bitterness, and responsibility” regarding her recent performance, ultimately deciding she needed to take a different path to rediscover her form as she dropped to world No. 3 in the rankings.
The partnership, which began in October 2024, was highlighted by a historic Wimbledon victory in 2025. This was a significant milestone for Świątek, as grass had traditionally been her most challenging surface.
Under Fissette’s guidance, she also captured titles in Seoul and Cincinnati. Despite these achievements, the 2026 season proved difficult; she failed to advance past the quarterfinals in her first four tournaments.
Danielle Collins Explains Iga Świątek’s Decision to Switch Coaches
Collins, currently sidelined from competition while recovering from a back injury and undergoing egg-freezing procedures, explained why such a change makes sense from a player’s perspective.
“Well, I think at this point, with the results that she’s had, it makes sense trying to switch things up and looking to go in a different direction,” she said. “I think it’s to be expected. There’s no player that works with the same exact coach throughout their entire career.”
Collins highlighted the value of fresh perspectives in an individual sport.
“You learn by working with other people, and you get different perspectives. If you just work with one person your whole life, you’re not going to get the same type of evolvement. So, I think it’s smart on her end.”
MORE: Danielle Collins Under Fire From Iga Świątek Fans After Harsh Australian Open Prediction
She also pointed to the solitary nature of tennis as a factor in such decisions.
“It’s an individual sport, right? It’s tough. You’re out there during the matches, you can’t really receive any coaching, and at the end of the day, you got to point the finger somewhere, right.”
Before joining forces with Fissette, Świątek’s most successful period came under the tutelage of Tomasz Wiktorowski from late 2021 to 2024. During their three-year tenure, she won four Grand Slam titles, including three consecutive French Open crowns, and ascended to the world No. 1 ranking for 125 weeks.
Earlier in her professional career, from 2016 to 2021, she was coached by Piotr Sierzputowski. It was with Sierzputowski that she made her initial breakthrough on the global stage, winning her first Grand Slam title at the 2020 French Open as a teenager.
