Iga Swiatek has made a remarkable comeback at the US Open, showcasing her dominance with a decisive victory over Emiliana Arango of Colombia. Her 6-1, 6-2 win in just one hour marks a strong start to her campaign for a second consecutive major title. Swiatek, who previously won the US Open in 2022, is now set to face Suzan Lamens of the Netherlands in the next round.

A Winning Streak

Swiatek's recent form has been nothing short of impressive, with 16 wins out of her last 17 matches. This includes her first Wimbledon title and a victory at the Cincinnati Open. Her return to top form comes after a brief dip during the clay-court season, where she traditionally excels, having won four Roland Garros titles.

The Coaching Factor

A significant factor in Swiatek's resurgence is her new coach, Wim Fissette. Known for his work with tennis legends like Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, and Naomi Osaka, Fissette joined Swiatek at the end of last year. Their partnership has been pivotal, with Fissette focusing on minor technical adjustments that have made a major impact.

Overcoming Challenges

Swiatek faced challenges earlier this year, including a one-month ban due to a contaminated batch of melatonin. This setback affected her form, but the groundwork laid during preseason with Fissette has been crucial for her comeback. "I would say after Roland Garros I kind of got back to my usual self," Swiatek shared with reporters.

Strategic Adjustments

Fissette's influence was evident during Swiatek's fourth-round match against Elena Rybakina. Trailing 6-1, 2-0, Fissette advised Swiatek to take a few steps back on return of serve. The adjustment worked immediately, leading to a victory and building momentum for the rest of the tournament.

Footwork Focus

At Wimbledon, Fissette focused on improving Swiatek's footwork for faster surfaces. Initially skeptical, Swiatek was convinced after reviewing videos of top players like Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. "We made a little change in the footwork, in general, for faster surfaces," Fissette explained.

The Coaching Process

Finding the right coach is never easy, as recent changes by Osaka and Coco Gauff attest. For Swiatek, who spent 125 weeks as world No. 1, accepting new ideas required patience and persuasion. Fissette learned to communicate effectively, understanding the importance of specific language that resonates with Swiatek.

A Collaborative Effort

Swiatek enjoys the collaborative process with Fissette, though she admits to being stubborn. "If I have a different idea, then I need for sure some persuasion and also I need some proof," she said. Fissette's patience and ability to explain his ideas have been key to their successful partnership.

As Swiatek continues her quest for another major title, her partnership with Fissette remains a cornerstone of her success. The US Open is just the latest stage for this dynamic duo to showcase their hard work and strategic brilliance.