Iga Świątek made headlines following her first-round exit from the 2026 Miami Open after losing to fellow Polish star Magda Linette. Just days after another disappointing loss, the six-time Grand Slam champion announced her split from coach Wim Fissette in an Instagram post, reflecting on their journey and the lessons they learned together.
American coach Rick Macci silenced the questions surrounding who should coach the Polish star, given the clay-court swing is about to start.
Rick Macci Believes Iga Świątek Does Not Need a Coach
Świątek was going through a tough stretch in her career, unable to deliver deep runs at multiple tournaments. This 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 defeat against Linette in Miami ended her hardcourt season disappointingly.
Following this, she announced the split with Fissette, thanking him for his guidance and lessons, and stating that she is taking “a moment to take care of myself.”
Right after she shared this emotional message, the entire tennis world was in turmoil, including Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, who wondered who could return the Polish star’s championship form.
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Legendary coach Macci shared his opinions on X, silencing these speculations with a very strong point. He wrote, “Iga does not need a new coach. She knows the way and knows the drill. Having the Polish Punisher coach herself the rest of the year is the best hire mentally.”
The American legend completely dismissed the need for a coach, stating that she is enough on her own and knows how to dominate the WTA Tour. “When things do not go her way the answer is in the mirror. She will figure it out because she is unique and does not need a travel coach tweak,” he added.
Iga does not need a new coach. She knows the way and knows the drill. Having the Polish Punisher coach herself the rest of the year is the best hire mentally. When things do not go her way the answer is in the mirror. She will figure it out because she is unique and does not…
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) March 25, 2026
This confidence by the Americans shows just what Świątek is capable of, having lifted six major titles. Even when she was struggling to deliver deep runs at tournaments, she reached three quarterfinals, losing to Elena Rybakina, Maria Sakkari, and Elina Svitolina in Melbourne, Doha, and Indian Wells, respectively.
Macci believes that she does not need a coach; the World No. 3 knows how to bounce back and deliver, especially with the clay-court swing just days away. Interestingly, right after her split, the tennis community began speculating about who she might hire as her next coach.
Piotr Wozniacki, the father of fellow Polish star Caroline Wozniacki, was initially at the top of the rumors. Still, he himself denied those speculations, stating his loyalty to his family, especially his daughter, former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki.
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After the Pole dismissed the rumors himself, 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem came into the spotlight. Just a week ago, he announced that he is looking forward to “passing on my knowledge and experiences” after 14 incredible years on the ATP Tour.
However, it turned out to be the launch of ATP Fantasy, a fantasy sports platform designed by the ATP, which starts with the Monte Carlo Open in April. It would be interesting to see who Świątek turns to for coaching guidance, given that she has the majority of the 2026 season ahead of her, starting with the clay-court swing, where she particularly thrives.
