‘Takes Us Back Two Steps’ – Iga Swiatek’s Psychologist Gives It Back to ‘Expert’ Amid Lingering Coach Split Controversy

Playing consistently at the top level continuously is no mean feat. Ask Iga Swiatek, who spent months at the top of the WTA rankings table. The Polish star became a symbol of consistency on the WTA Tour and won several big tournaments. However, her reign at the top finally ended after Aryna Sabalenka toppled her as the new World Number 1 earlier this month. Additionally, Swiatek has had a turbulent time of late after splitting with her longtime coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski. Amid this, her psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, made a concerning admission about how the social world impacted Swiatek’s emotions.

Earlier this year, Swiatek went down fighting against the eventual champion, Qinwen Zheng, in the semifinals of the Olympic Games. Although she returned with a bronze medal, Swiatek had a tough time coping with the loss against Zheng, as she was expected to win a gold medal there. Subsequently, the emotions got the better of her, and there was much talk about how players should keep their emotions in check.

However, Abramowicz is fed up with the discussions surrounding regulating emotions. While it depends from player to player, she said, “We seem to be making progress in terms of social awareness and suddenly some enlightened opinion from an “expert” takes us back two steps.”

Who did Iga Swiatek hire as her new coach after parting ways with Tomasz Wiktorowski?

After her impressive French Open victory, it has been a steep downfall for Swiatek. She failed to dig deep at the US Open, losing in the last eight against Jessica Pegula. Additionally, her partnership with her longtime coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, also ended abruptly. Further, Swiatek remained absent from the entire Asian Swing of the WTA Tour.

Despite these concerns, it looks like Swiatek is up for a fresh start. She already has taken a step in the right direction by hiring a top coach.
Iga Swiatek joins hands with Wim Fissette

While it looked like the search for Swiatek’s next coach might be never-ending, she made a brisk move by hiring a top coach, Wim Fissette. The latter has already worked with top players like Naomi Osaka and Kim Clijsters and knows what it takes to win at the top level. Announcing this news, Swiatek was thrilled to add Fissette to her team and make a fresh start.

She said, “I’m excited and motivated to start a new chapter. As you know, I’m preparing for the WTA Finals but my perspective is, as always, long-term, not short-term. I said many times that my career is a marathon for me, not a sprint, and I’m working, operating and making decisions with this approach. I want to say that I’m very excited and looking forward to working with Wim.”

Swiatek will next be seen in action at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. With the race to end the year as World Number 1 right in the balance, can Swiatek make a strong comeback and finish her season on a high? Let us know your views in the comments below.