Iga Swiatek has made a massive shake-up to her team after announcing the departure of her coach Tomasz Wiktorowski.
The world No.1 issued a statement on Friday morning confirming she is no longer working with her mentor who has been at her side since the start of the 2022 season. Wiktorowski, who has also coached Agnieszka Radwanska in the past, guided Swiatek to the top of the women’s game. During their time together, she won nine WTA 1000 events, four grand Slams and has spent more than 120 weeks at the top of the WTA rankings.
Swiatek’s announcement occurred after her withdrawal from the China Open for personal reasons. It is unknown if that withdrawal was linked to her decision to stop working with her former mentor.
“After three years of the greatest achievements in my career, together with my coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, we decided to part ways.” The Pole wrote in a statement that was published on Instagram.
“I want to start with a big thank you and appreciation for our work together. Coach Wiktorowski joined my team for three seasons when I strongly needed changes and a fresh approach to my game. His experience, analytical and strategic attitude, and enormous knowledge about tennis helped us to achieve things I’ve never dreamed of only a few months after we started working together.
“Our main goal was to become the No.1 player in the world and coach Wiktorowski was the one who said it first. We aimed very high, we headed to every tournament with a clear goal to win it. Together with coach Wiktorowski, we won many tournaments and four Grand Slams.”
Swiatek hasn’t played on the Tour since her quarter-final loss to Jessica Pegula at the US Open. She has claimed five WTA trophies so far this year, as well as a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Her most recent triumph was in June at the French Open.
The 23-year-old is currently in the process of finding a replacement for Wiktorowski. Her next scheduled event is the Wuhan Open but she has yet to confirm she will be playing there. Should she miss the event, it will open the door for Aryna Sabalenka to further close in on her No.1 position.
“Coach, THANK YOU, I wish you all the best. I know that you would like to rest after these three years of hard work and traveling a lot and spend some well-deserved time with your loved ones and I hope you’ll get what you need.” Swiatek said of Wiktorowski.
“Due to this important change on my team, I give myself a couple of weeks to start cooperation with a new coach. I’m in the middle of first talks with coaches from abroad (non-Polish) because I’m ready to take the next step in my career. I will let you know when I make a decision.”
Swiatek has won 54 out of 61 matches played so far this season.
UPDATE: Since the publication of this article, Swiatek has withdrawn from the Wuhan Open. According to a social media post from the tournament, she is ‘taking some time (off) after making changes in her team.’
