"To achieve great things, you have to be tired": Iga Swiatek’s psychologist lifts the lid on her mental drive

Iga Swiatek's psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, has revealed some of the secrets of the 6-time Grand Slam champion's coaching staff, in which she is a key element, accompanying the Polish player in her competitions on the WTA Tour. Swiatek recently won her first Wimbledon title, adding to her US Open 2022 title and four French Open trophies (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024).

Abramowicz is one of the closest people to Swiatek, always seen supporting her from her box and conversing daily with the star, a role the player herself has previously mentioned is crucial. Abramowicz joined Swiatek's team in 2019 and has collaborated with both Tomas Wiktorowski and Wim Fissette, who has been Swiatek's coach since late 2024.

In Polish media, there was speculation that Abramowicz's influence on the team was so great that it was even related to Wiktorowski's departure, although the psychologist flatly denies having had anything to do with it. "I don't have the power to fire people. She decides herself who is on her team and in what capacity."

The coach – who previously worked with Agnieszka Radwańska – was recently reported as the new member of Naomi Osaka's team at the Canadian Open. This follows the same formula as the Polish player, who currently trains with Fissette – who in the past was Osaka's coach.

In addition to Fissette and Abramowicz, the Polish physiotherapist Maciej Ryszczuk is also part of the team. According to the psychologist, the four have formed a great relationship off the court. "I'll let you in on a big secret. It will be a sensation: [Wim Fissette] doesn't get pop culture and he doesn't know it. But Maciek and I do very much, and so does Iga. He doesn't know movies, he doesn't know what Tom Hanks looks like, he hasn't seen The Lion King. We say: 'You have kids!' But he just watches tennis. We joke about it. Maciek tried to make him watch movies at Wimbledon. We like to go out, eat, but there's a certain fatigue with the subject."

During the interview with Przegladsportowy, the psychologist recalled a key moment in her relationship with Swiatek when she was exceptionally tired and the tennis player's reaction surprised her. "With eyes burning like matches. Iga looked at me and said: 'To achieve great things, you have to be tired.'"

She also highlighted the perfectionism that Swiatek applies to everything she does, not just in training. "I haven't met anyone besides Iga who reads every contract. She has developed so incredibly in terms of her knowledge of law, economics, finance; she's very interested in it. It's also about building competencies for when she leaves the court." "She starts with herself. It's easier and more pleasant for us then. She has a perfectionist streak, we're working on that, but that's also what top-level sports are like."

Swiatek began her Canadian Open campaign with a straightforward victory against China's Guo Hanyu, 6-3, 6-1. The Polish player secured her 8th consecutive win after winning the Wimbledon title and advanced to the third round of the tournament where she is the second seed.

She will face Germany's Eva Lys this Friday for a spot in the Round of 16. The Pole is in an impeccable state of confidence, with a 43-11 record this season and the Wimbledon title. She is also second in the WTA Race and is slowly beginning to close in on Aryna Sabalenka in her quest to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking.

The absence of the Belarusian this week in Montreal opens up an opportunity for Swiatek to get even closer, especially considering that Sabalenka will be defending titles in the coming weeks at the Cincinnati Open and US Open, while the Pole will be defending a smaller portion of her points in the final part of the year.