After her recent split from long-time coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, Iga Swiatek’s journey to the top of the tennis world has taken an unexpected turn. Following her disappointing semi-final loss at the Paris Olympics, speculation has emerged about what led to her and Wiktorowski parting ways. Former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski suggested that Swiatek’s performance in Paris may have been the turning point. “Iga went as a hundred percent favorite, focused on the gold medal… then there was this psychological defeat,” Kwaśniewski commented, hinting that the loss deeply impacted her confidence and might have influenced her decision to seek a fresh start.
Although Swiatek went on to capture the bronze, the impact of that defeat appears to have lingered, marking an emotional moment in an otherwise stellar career. Under Wiktorowski, Swiatek rose to unprecedented heights, winning four Grand Slam titles, including three consecutive French Opens, and holding the world No. 1 ranking for a combined 125 weeks. Their partnership had been highly successful, leading many to question why she would part ways with the coach who shaped her into a clay-court powerhouse.
Recently, Polish publication sportowy24.pl reported that Swiatek’s psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, may have played a significant role in the split. Abramowicz, a key figure in Swiatek’s mental training, also reportedly became involved in her physical preparation and provided in-match coaching—overlapping with Wiktorowski’s responsibilities. According to reports, this shift created tension, culminating during the US Open, where Wiktorowski allegedly reached a breaking point. Polish football icon Jan Tomaszewski and tennis commentator Tomasz Wolfke echoed this view, suggesting that Abramowicz’s growing influence may have disrupted the traditional coach-player dynamic. “Daria Abramowicz is the eminence grise of this team,” Wolfke remarked, raising questions about the strain this unconventional setup may have put on Wiktorowski.
As Swiatek steps away from competition for now, the sports world watches closely to see how this shift in her team dynamic will impact her return to the court. With both supporters and critics weighing in, the young star faces the challenge of navigating her career amid changes in her support structure and the weight of high expectations.
