Wimbledon, London — The grass courts of Wimbledon are often where legends are forged—but it’s also where the sport’s deepest secrets sometimes surface. In a candid revelation that has sent shockwaves through tennis circles, renowned coach Wim Fissette offered a rare glimpse into the contrasting worlds of two of his former protégés: Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek.
“Coming from Naomi Osaka to Iga Swiatek is like day and night,” Fissette told a group of reporters earlier this week, speaking after a practice session at the All England Club. “With Naomi, sometimes it felt like organized chaos. She’s incredibly talented but follows her own rhythm. With Iga, it’s absolute discipline, every minute accounted for.”
Fissette, one of the sport’s most respected coaches, has worked with a string of elite players, including Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, and Osaka, who captured multiple Grand Slam titles under his guidance. His collaboration with Swiatek, the current world No. 1 and already a four-time Grand Slam champion at just 23, marks his latest high-profile coaching chapter.
When asked to elaborate on the “chaos” of working with Osaka, Fissette was quick to clarify that he held deep respect for the Japanese star. “Naomi has a free spirit. She’d sometimes show up to practice late, or not at all if she wasn’t feeling it mentally. That’s part of who she is. She needs to feel inspired, and that doesn’t always align with structured training blocks.”
In contrast, he described Swiatek as “the most organized athlete I’ve ever worked with.”
“She has her days planned out to the minute,” he said. “When we sit down for a training block, Iga wants to know the purpose behind every drill. She thrives on structure, on routines. It’s quite remarkable for someone so young.”
Insiders say the differences extend beyond the practice court. Osaka, known for her candid personality and activism, has often been in the global spotlight for speaking out on mental health issues and social justice causes. Swiatek, meanwhile, maintains a lower profile, focusing intently on her craft while keeping personal matters largely private.
Social media quickly lit up with debate over Fissette’s comments. Some fans felt he was unfairly painting Osaka as erratic, while others praised him for giving an honest assessment of the challenges that come with coaching two uniquely gifted but very different athletes.
“Every player is different,” one Twitter user posted. “Naomi’s ‘chaos’ won her four Slams. Iga’s discipline wins hers. Both are valid paths.”
As Swiatek continues her Wimbledon campaign, speculation swirls about whether Fissette’s structured methods might help her conquer the grass—a surface that has historically been her weakest. Meanwhile, Osaka, currently easing back into competition after time away from the tour, remains a wildcard threat whenever she steps on court.
Fissette himself summed it up best: “My job is to adapt. Naomi taught me patience. Iga demands precision. That’s the beauty of this sport—and why I love it.”