On August 2, 2024, during the Paris 2024 Olympics, Iga Swiatek of Poland competed against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovakia in the Women’s Singles Bronze Medal Match at Roland-Garros Stadium in Paris, France. Swiatek, known for her exceptional skills on Clay Court, has often been compared to Rafael Nadal. However, her luck at the Olympics has not been favorable. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she failed to win any medals. Nevertheless, at the Paris Olympics, she faced immense pressure but managed to secure her first Olympic medal, a Bronze. This year has been successful for Swiatek, and as the US Open approaches, she hopes to maintain her momentum. However, according to Dariusz Nowicki, there may be challenges ahead for the Polish tennis player.
Looking back to 2020, Swiatek had just won her first Roland Garros title and had high hopes for the Tokyo Olympics. Unfortunately, she was eliminated in straight sets, resulting in a difficult and emotionally turbulent time. To cope with the aftermath, Swiatek enlisted the help of her psychologist, Daria Abramowicz. Now that the Olympics are over, it seems that history may repeat itself, as suggested by renowned psychologist Nowicki.
In an interview with Interia Sports, Nowicki delved into Swiatek’s emotional state. He expressed concerns about Swiatek’s potential burnout syndrome, emphasizing that she is currently overwhelmed. The manifestation of this syndrome could be depression or a period of fatigue followed by a return to sports. While the exact outcome remains uncertain, a “dark scenario” looms in the air.
Swiatek, ranked World No.1 with five Grand Slam titles under her belt, has achieved remarkable success in her tennis career. However, the pressure from fans, scrutiny from experts, and her own expectations act as necessary obstacles hindering her recovery. Nowicki further emphasizes the mental strain Swiatek faces, stating, “This girl is exposed to huge mental overload. And now, in such an important life situation, although I hope the team is doing everything possible to show her that this is a tremendous success, failure can cause mental anguish.”
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This analysis is not mere speculation but based on the latest research involving computer analysis of brain activity. Swiatek’s father has expressed confidence in her support team, assuring that they will help her navigate through any challenges. Perhaps that is how Swiatek managed to bounce back and secure the bronze medal after her semifinal loss. However, great victories often come with significant costs. Carlos Alcaraz, for instance, takes small getaways to replenish his energy and distance himself from the demanding tennis circuit.
Following her breakthrough win at the 2020 Roland Garros, Swiatek has been an advocate for mental health. In 2022, she donated her Ostrava prize to a Polish mental health non-profit, demonstrating her commitment to the cause. Swiatek is not alone in prioritizing mental health. Alcaraz, too, recognizes its importance and highlights the need for breaks from the competitive environment to recover after intense victories.
In his own words, Alcaraz states, “I don’t want to feel like a slave to tennis and not have time for myself. Those little getaways to Ibiza are fundamental and necessary to recharge and perform well on the court.” It is evident that burnout can lead to a decline in artistic performance. Recently, the Spaniard withdrew from the Canada Masters in Montreal to enjoy his achievements, including his Grass Major and Olympic silver, with his friends.
Photo from Iga Swiatek Instagram