The 2024 Paris Olympics presented a golden opportunity for Iga Świątek, the reigning Roland Garros champion and World No. 1 in women’s tennis. Fans had high expectations for the Polish star, hoping she would continue her dominant run on the international stage. However, an unexpected defeat to China’s Qinwen Zheng in the tournament left Świątek in a tough and unsettling phase, raising concerns about her form and mental state.
Despite her disappointment at the Olympics, Świątek has been making efforts to rise back to her best. One major move she made was bringing on board Naomi Osaka’s former coach, Wim Fissette, to guide her through this challenging period. With Fissette’s proven track record and expertise, many believed Świątek was poised for a resurgence. However, even after the addition of Fissette to her coaching team, speculations and debates swirled, particularly about the role of her sports psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, in her recent coach split. This added layer of intrigue fueled the ongoing discussions in the tennis community, as many questioned whether Abramowicz’s influence was a factor in Świątek’s decision to part ways with her long-time coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski.
Amid the swirling rumors, fellow Polish tennis star Hubert Hurkacz has stepped forward to defend Świątek and shed light on the controversy surrounding Abramowicz’s involvement. In an interview with *Wyborcza.pl*, the 27-year-old Hurkacz shared his thoughts on the value of psychological support in professional sports, and how it has been beneficial to his own career.
“I also work with a psychologist. And many athletes benefit from such help,” Hurkacz said, emphasizing that psychological support has become an essential tool for athletes navigating the immense pressures of competition. In today’s sports landscape, mental well-being is as critical as physical fitness, and Hurkacz believes that having a psychologist on a player’s team can provide a vital edge.
The journalist from *Wyborcza.pl* noted that Abramowicz’s role in Świątek’s team appears to be more prominent than just providing mental preparation for matches. She is often seen sitting next to the coach during tournaments, which sparked debate about her level of involvement in Świątek’s day-to-day training and strategy. Hurkacz, however, offered a measured response, suggesting that each athlete’s needs are unique, and the role of a psychologist can vary from one player to another.
“This is an individual matter,” Hurkacz explained. “Every athlete must decide what he needs and how close the psychologist should be. It is important that there is good communication and well-coordinated cooperation in the team: from a masseur, a physiotherapist, a psychologist to a coach.” His comments underscored the importance of a holistic approach to an athlete’s well-being, where each team member plays a crucial part in the overall success.
The discussion surrounding Świątek’s team dynamics intensified after her split from Wiktorowski. Under his guidance, Świątek had secured four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic bronze medal, establishing herself as one of the most dominant players in women’s tennis. The sudden end of their successful partnership caught many by surprise, leading to speculation that Abramowicz might have played a role in the decision.
Despite these rumors, Tomasz Wiktorowski himself has come forward to set the record straight. In an interview with *Onet*, Wiktorowski addressed the speculation about Abramowicz’s involvement, clarifying that the psychologist had no influence on the decision to part ways. He categorically denied that any internal conflict arose because of Abramowicz’s presence in Świątek’s team.
Reflecting on his three-year partnership with the World No. 1, Wiktorowski spoke highly of the professional relationship they maintained throughout their time working together. “I think that we generally had very good relations in the team,” Wiktorowski stated. “During three years of intensive cooperation, it is impossible to avoid difficult situations. But even then, we always found a way to reach an agreement and get back on track.”
Wiktorowski also highlighted the shared focus on Świątek’s development as a player and ensuring that her preparation was always at the highest level. “Iga and everything related to preparing a player at the highest level have always been a priority for us,” he added. His comments revealed the mutual respect and dedication that existed within the team, even during challenging moments.
The split between Świątek and Wiktorowski came as a shock to the tennis world, but with both parties speaking openly and positively about their time together, the negative rumors have largely been dispelled. While Abramowicz’s role in Świątek’s team remains significant, Wiktorowski’s clarification has brought some much-needed perspective to the conversation.
As Iga Świątek moves forward with a new coaching team and continues to rely on Abramowicz’s psychological support, the question now turns to whether she can maintain her dominant form without Wiktorowski by her side. While many fans are optimistic about her future with Wim Fissette as coach, the transition will undoubtedly be a critical period in her career.
The pressure is on for Świątek to prove that she can stay at the top of the game, but with her resilience and the backing of a strong support team, she has all the tools necessary to continue her success on the WTA Tour. What remains to be seen is how she will adapt to the changes and whether her new team dynamic will allow her to reclaim her top form. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.