Tennis fans have had a divided reaction to
Iga Swiatek defending her psychologist Daria Abramowicz after the latter received online backlash for an interaction depicted in Netflix's docu-series 'Break Point.'
The original controversy began after the last five episodes of the series aired in June. The show follows some of the world's top-ranked tennis players as they travel to Grand Slams, as well as ATP and WTA tournaments.
In one scene where Swiatek was getting a haircut, the hairdresser asked the 22-year-old about what length she would like, but fans took issue with the fact that it was Abramowicz who stepped in to answer the question instead of letting Swiatek choose her own style.
Swiatek insists scene manipulates the truth
Speaking at a recent press-conference at the
Cincinnati Open, Swiatek defended her longtime psychologist, saying that the scene was edited to make Abramowicz look bad.
"We already kind of spoke to Netflix about these things. I wish it could be done a bit differently....She got a lot of hate that she like has influence on my haircut," she said.
Moreover, the world No. 1 added that Abramowicz was simply reminding her of certain things to do with her haircut that could influence how she plays in matches.
"My hair is really chaotic. It needs to be perfect, because if not, I can't really control it. Daria reminded me about that," she added.
Fans divided over scene
Following Swiatek's comments, fans have had a mixed reaction. Some agreed with the Polish player while others stood by their dislike of Abramowicz.
"Another good reason for me not to watch that series. I must be one of the very few who is so into tennis but stays away from this so-called docu-reality show… so much can be manipulated during editing," wrote one.
"I know people on here take things too far for fun, but still I resent the use of the word "hate" in all of this... like most of the times people are raising (legitimate) concerns and criticisms about Daria's role in Iga's team/life... so i don't like dismissing that as "hate"", wrote another.
Meanwhile, others said that fans needed to leave Swiatek and Abramowicz alone.
"I’m NOT at all part of Iga fandom, but damn ppl should stay in their lane! Who cares? She’s an adult. If she trusts these ppl, she SHOULD go everywhere with them. 99% of the ppl she crosses paths with will not be trustworthy - clearly. Same for most professional athletes," they wrote.