Article by Luminița Paul – Published on Sunday, 29 March 2026 21:31 / Updated on Sunday, 29 March 2026 21:31
Iga Swiatek (24 years old, 3rd place WTA) announced that she will not participate in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, where Poland will meet Ukraine. The decision comes shortly after parting ways with coach Wim Fissette (46).
Igăi Swiatek's universe is troubled, after the former world leader recorded the palest first three months of a good season so far. The last straw was the defeat in the first match played in the WTA 1000 tournament in Miami, to the compatriot Magda Linette.
Shortly after, she announced the end of her collaboration with Belgian coach Wim Fissette, which had started in October 2024 and had brought her some notable successes. The brightest, by far, is last year's Wimbledon title.
Devastated and with tennis suffering from many points of view, including the mental one, she made another decision that surprised and not too much. Yes, because he has played in most of the important matches, no, given the situation he is in now.
Iga Switek will not play in the BJK Cup qualifiers
The world number 3 announced, also via an Instagram post, in Polish and English, that he will not play in the Billie Jean King Cup, where the national team will face Ukraine in the qualifying phase.
“Today I want to share another decision with you. I will not participate in the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, which will be held in Gliwice. It was not easy for me to make this decision, because playing in Poland had and still has a special meaning for me, and I know that many of you are looking forward to seeing me on the field.
The last period was a demanding one for me, both from a sporting point of view and because of the changes taking place around me. I feel that I need a break, to sort things out and focus on quality and calm work. I hope you understand.
We have a great team – I'm sure Magda Linette he will do a wonderful job leading the girls. Fingers crossed for the whole team: Linda Klimovicova, Katarzyna Kawa, Maja Chwalinskathe captain David the Celt and the rest of the staff. I will support you with all my heart.
Thank you for your support – it means a lot to me,” was Igă's full message.
Captain's reaction: “I'm not surprised but we tried to get her to play”
The captain of the team, Dawid Celt, reacted to the decision of the six-time Grand Slam champion. “For sure, it's a shame,” he told Przeglad Sportowy Onet. “We really wanted Iga to play, we did everything we could to convince her. As captain, I sought to show him a slightly different perspective on this development“, he also said.
“On the other hand, honestly, I'm not particularly surprised because we've been talking for almost a month. I did everything in my power to postpone the decision and let Iga think quietly, calmly. But we hoped that we would convince her in the end”, he specified for the quoted source.
“Her priority now is to find a coach, because she doesn't have one anymore, so it's hard for her to function in this situation. There are players who need peace and quiet and can manage the situation for a while – with a sparring partner and a trainer – but I don't think Iga belongs to that group“, elaborated Celt.
Iga Swiatek, eliminated in the second round of the Miami Open/Photo: Imago Images
“He needs a coach around, that's why he's doing everything to hire one as soon as possible,” assured the captain of the Poland team.
The meeting between Poland and Ukraine is scheduled for April 10-11, in Gliwice. The team consists of Magda Linette, Linda Klimovicova, Katarzyna Kawa, Maja Chwalinska and Martyna Kubka.
Most recently, Iga Swiatek played in the BJK Cup last fall, also in Poland, in Gorzow, in the play-offs. The team led by Celt won 3-0 both meetings in group B, against Romania and New Zealand, advancing to the qualification phase.
