Iga Świątek recently pushed back against what she described as a “fake” narrative holding her psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, responsible for her struggles. Speculation has also intensified over Abramowicz’s perceived influence on the world No. 4’s decision-making, particularly following her split with former coach Wim Fissette. However, Świątek made it clear that she views such reports as misleading.
Iga Świątek Defends Psychologist Daria Abramowicz Amid Fake Theories
Świątek has not really hit her stride in the 2026 season. The 24-year-old could not get past the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, Qatar Open, and the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
However, a massive setback in Świątek’s campaign came with her second-round exit at the Miami Open, where she fell to Magda Linette. Amid a string of underwhelming results, Świątek also made a decisive call off the court, parting ways with coach Fissette. The Belgian had been part of her setup since 2024, playing a key role in guiding her to three titles, including her maiden Wimbledon Championships crown last year.
While many view it as a temporary dip in form that Świątek needs to work through, others have taken a more critical stance. Her childhood coach, Artur Szostaczko, did not hold back in expressing his disapproval of psychologist Abramowicz, arguing that her involvement in Świątek’s setup has been excessive and should instead be more “moderate.”
In fact, former world No. 1 and four-time major champion Kim Clijsters suggested that Abramowicz’s involvement may have played a role in Fissette’s departure. She noted that the psychologist’s significant presence within Świątek’s team could have made the working dynamic increasingly challenging for the coach.
However, Świątek recently rejected those speculations in an interview with Sport.pl. The Pole said she could not ignore the fake news and theories made up to confuse.
“I decide who I work with. And honestly, most of the negative things I saw somewhere, I try not to read into it, but something’s getting through to me, were just fake news and theories made up to cause confusion,” she said.
Świątek emphasizes that she alone makes decisions about her team. While she values input from trusted members like Maciej Ryszczuk and Abramowicz, she consults them only when needed.
“People have no idea what it’s like, I’m the one making the decisions about collaboration. Of course, I can ask my team members for their opinion, and I do if I need to, because I have very experienced people around me: from the management team to the people I spend weeks on tour with, like Maciek [Ryszczuk], my physical conditioning coach, and Daria as my mental conditioning coach,” she added.
Świątek pointed out that Abramowicz was once praised for her success but is now unfairly blamed. She stresses making independent decisions and leading her team herself, even though a coach typically holds that role.
MORE: Iga Świątek ‘Increasingly Terrified’ as Critics Dissect Career Slump
“Regarding the articles about Daria, for years she was credited with my success on the court, as it was possible thanks to, among other things, mental strength, and now, with the decline in form and results, suddenly she is to blame. But I try to base my decisions on my own judgment, because only then can I truly believe in them and be convinced that it’s the right choice. Although a coach should be the leader of the team, I try to be that leader and lead my team,” she concluded.
Świątek’s search for a new coach remains ongoing, and recent reports suggest she is set to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy ahead of the Stuttgart Open (April 13–19). Notably, Francisco Roig, who has previously worked with Rafael Nadal and Emma Raducanu, is expected to join her for a training block, offering both a chance to assess their on-court dynamic and explore a potential working relationship.
