Iga Świątek has come to the staunch defense of her psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, dismissing all criticism surrounding her role in the team. The Pole firmly explained why she considers Abramowicz’s presence integral to her setup ahead of her highly anticipated title defense at Wimbledon.
Świątek arrives at SW19 searching for a change in fortunes after a fourth-round loss at the French Open. She then suffered an opening-match defeat to Emma Navarro at the Bad Homburg Open, her only preparatory tournament on grass.
Why Iga Świątek Refuses to Entertain Social Media Criticism of Daria Abramowicz
Świątek has had a difficult 2026 season, struggling to discover her best form and still searching for her first title of the year. As her results have dipped, her psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, has come under scrutiny from the tennis community over her influence on the Pole.
However, Świątek has brushed aside the criticism, stressing that people voicing opinions on social media have no understanding of the support she needs from trusted figures like Abramowicz.
“People on social media like to give their opinions, but they don’t know how we work and what kind of support I need and how much people that are in my position need trusted people,” she said.
Speaking to The Times, the world No. 3 highlighted the pivotal role Abramowicz has played in her development since they began working together in 2019, when she was “super insecure.”
“Daria has been working with me since 2019. I would be a totally different person in terms of how I was at the time. I was super insecure. I didn’t really have skills emotionally or even cognitively to play tennis at the level I needed to to achieve this kind of level, so she helped me develop myself as a player,” Świątek said.
Świątek also credited Abramowicz with helping her navigate the pressures that came with her rapid rise to the top of the sport.
“And when I got my first successes, she also helped me handle it because you think [when] you win and it’s all a dream come true and amazing, but there are so many things that change in this young person’s life, business-wise, money-wise, also how people treat you being famous suddenly, being observed, having paparazzi in front of your house,” she added. “I struggled a lot to focus on tennis for weeks, even months, after my first Roland Garros.”
MORE: Iga Świątek Coaching Split Turns Sour As Wim Fissette Singles Out Her Psychologist
Iga Świątek Credits Daria Abramowicz’s Support During ‘Terrible’ Doping Controversy
Świątek went on to disclose that Abramowicz was a vital source of support during her doping controversy. In August 2024, the Pole tested positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine after providing an out-of-competition sample. She accepted a one-month suspension after it was determined that the substance had entered her system through contamination of a regulated non-prescription medicine.
“That was another time when I needed support that I wouldn’t get if you didn’t have a person that understands me in my team. It was a terrible situation out of my control. I was just shocked and devastated and it basically changed my perspective towards tennis for a few weeks,” Świątek said.
The six-time Grand Slam champion recalled how difficult that period was, saying, “I had a hard time even stepping on court and hitting a few balls because I felt like I needed to fight for the truth to be just and fair and also my honour a little bit, even though I didn’t do anything wrong. For some time I couldn’t even play. I was basically just crying for weeks, constantly thinking about it and how this happened to me.”
MORE: Iga Świątek Rejects ‘Fake News’ Blaming Psychologist Daria Abramowicz for Her Struggles
No. 3 seed Iga Świątek will have all eyes on her when she kicks off her title defense against Taylor Townsend. If she emerges victorious, the Pole will take on either former Wimbledon finalist Karolína Plíšková or Tereza Valentová in the second round.
