The former coach Iga Swiatek has hit back at speculation surrounding the reasons for him leaving the team by saying the decision was made in mutual respect.
Tomasz Wiktorowski had worked with the world No.1 for three years and oversaw her rise in the sport. During their time together, the Pole spent more than 120 weeks as world No.1, won four Grand Slam titles, nine WTA 1000 events and at one stage won 37 matches in a row. His unexpected departure before the season ended caught many off guard and Swiatek hasn’t played a match since her quarter-final defeat at the US Open during the first week of September.
“It was simply a necessity. We have never made sudden and, above all, ill-considered decisions.” Wiktorowski told Przegląd Sportowy.
“There have been a lot of speculations and insinuations… Definitely too much, considering that the message that was issued very precisely defines our decision. It is enough to read it with understanding, not with the intention of looking for sensation. Our end of cooperation was done with respect for both parties, and no fake news will change that.”
One of the rumors that had been circulating was that Swiatek’s sports psychologist, Daria Abramovich, was a key influence in the decision to change things in her team. Something that Wiktorowski has denied.
“I think that in general we had a very good relationship in the team,” he said.
“During three years of intensive cooperation, it is impossible to avoid difficult situations, but even then, we always found a way to reach an agreement and get back on track. Iga and everything related to the preparation of a player at the highest level have always been a priority for us.”
Swiatek has yet to appoint a replacement but has said she wants to work with somebody who is not from the same country as her. She is currently scheduled to play again at the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia where she will be battling against Aryna Sabalenka for the year-end No.1 spot, as well as the title.