Iga Swiatek, the Polish tennis titan and former World No. 1, is no stranger to the spotlight, but the 23-year-old has had enough of sensationalist headlines painting her 2025 season as a collapse. As she prepares for the Italian Open in Rome, Swiatek has voiced frustration over media narratives suggesting she’s in a “mental crisis” or “falling apart.” With a steely resolve, she’s defending her coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, and sports psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, while candidly addressing the challenges of her perfectionist mindset in a season that’s tested her resilience.
“I’m really irritated by headlines talking about falling apart or a mental crisis,” Swiatek said in a pre-tournament press conference in Rome, her tone sharp yet composed. “They don’t see the work we’re putting in every day. I’m still here, fighting, and I’m not going anywhere.” The remarks come after a turbulent stretch that saw her relinquish the No. 1 ranking to Aryna Sabalenka in February 2025 and endure a title drought since her last triumph at the 2024 WTA Finals. Despite a 22-7 record this year, including a United Cup title and a French Open semifinal run, Swiatek’s early exits in Qatar, Dubai, and Madrid—capped by a 6-4, 6-2 loss to Coco Gauff in Madrid—have fueled speculation about her form.
Swiatek’s 2025 struggles contrast sharply with her dominant 2022-2024 run, where she amassed five Grand Slam titles, including four French Opens, and held the top ranking for 109 weeks. Her Madrid defeat to Gauff marked a low point, prompting raw reflection. “I collapsed on every level, tennis-wise and mentally,” she admitted post-match. “Usually, I put more balls back in play than that. These last few weeks, it hasn’t been easy. I hope that one day, something will click.” The loss, her first to Gauff since 2023, highlighted a recurring issue: perfectionism. “I have a love-hate relationship with my perfectionism, and this makes me take bad decisions sometimes on the court,” Swiatek revealed in Rome, noting it’s been a bigger hurdle this year.
Critics have pointed to her coaching setup, with some calling for changes, but Swiatek staunchly defended Wiktorowski and Abramowicz, who’ve been with her since 2019 and 2020, respectively. “I don’t understand why people think I should change my team,” she said, dismissing rumors of dissatisfaction. “They’ve been with me through everything, and we’re working hard to get back to where I want to be.” Abramowicz, in particular, has been vital in managing Swiatek’s mental load, especially after a grueling 2024 that included an Olympic bronze and a doping controversy she was cleared of. Posts on X reflect fan support, with one user noting, “Iga’s team is her rock—people need to stop with the breakup rumors.”
Swiatek’s candor about her emotional journey has resonated deeply. In a March 2025 Instagram post, she opened up about the past six months, describing them as “a difficult time” and lamenting harsh judgments for her expressive emotions. “I feel like I’m being judged for being more emotionally expressive,” she wrote, a sentiment that’s struck a chord with fans tired of negativity directed at her. In Rome, she doubled down, rejecting crisis talk: “I’m not in any crisis. I’m just navigating challenges like any athlete.” Her focus is on discipline, not perfection, as she aims to reclaim her clay-court dominance, where she boasts an 82% win rate.
The Polish star’s season isn’t without bright spots. Her United Cup title, where she defeated Gauff and Sabalenka, showcased her firepower, and her Australian Open quarterfinal run, despite a loss to Paula Badosa, proved her grit. Rome, a tournament she’s won three times, offers a chance to reset. “Every year and every tournament is different,” Swiatek said, emphasizing adaptability. “We’re in a different place in our lives compared to a week ago.” Her rivalry with Sabalenka, whom she trails 6-4 in their head-to-head, and Gauff, now 2-9 against her, adds intrigue to the clay swing.
As Swiatek steps onto Rome’s red clay, she’s not just battling opponents but the weight of expectations and media scrutiny. Her irritation with reductive narratives underscores a broader fight for authenticity in a sport that demands perfection. With her team by her side and a fanbase rallying behind her, Swiatek’s journey—flaws and all—remains one of tennis’s most compelling stories.
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