Iga Swiatek has appointed Wim Fissette as her latest coach ahead of a “new chapter” for the world No. 1, who has described her career as “a marathon, not a sprint”.

In a social media post on Thursday, the 23-year-old revealed that she has teamed up with the Belgian ahead of the WTA Finals in November.

Swiatek will look to defend her crown at the year-end event but has insisted that she remains focused on the long-term with the acquisition of Fissette.

“So, I have news for you today as I’m excited and motivated to start a new chapter,” Swiatek wrote. “I’m happy to announce that Wim Fissette is joining our team.

“As you know, I’m preparing for the WTA Finals but my perspective is, as always, long-term, not short-term. I said many times that my career is a marathon for me, not a sprint and I’m working, operating and making decisions with this approach. 

“I want to say that I’m very excited and looking forward to working with Wim. He seems to have a great attitude, vision and huge experience at a very top level of tennis. 

“It’s always crucial to try and get to know each other better, but we’re off to a good start and I can’t wait to compete soon.”

Although she swept up four of her five Grand Slams under Wiktorowski, Swiatek is keen to improve her hard-court performances.

Fissette, 44, has an impressive CV and has coached some of the best female players in the world since 2009.

He helped former world No. 1 Kim Clijsters claim three of her six major titles, including back-to-back US Open crowns and the Australian Open in 2011.

Fissette led Sabine Lisicki and Simona Halep to maiden Grand Slam finals, while Johanna Konta became the first British woman since 1978 to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon under his leadership.

In addition, he led Angelique Kerber to two major titles, including Wimbledon in 2018, while he enjoyed a lucrative two-year spell with another former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka.

With Fissette in her corner, the Japanese star reigned supreme at the US Open in 2020 and the Australian Open in 2021.