“She is the undisputed leader of this team. She left everything that was best of her, heart, character,” are the words Dawid Celt, Iga Swiatek‘s mentor used to describe the Polish star. Celt ex-pro stepped into the picture after Swiatek’s partnership with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski came to an end mysteriously. Although things appeared to be sorted for the Pole with Wim Fissette as the new mentor, rumors of her ex-coach facing a ban emerged on media platforms. As things escalated, he himself decided to step forward to tell the truth.
Tomasz Wiktorowski has addressed rumors about a clause in his contract with Iga Swiatek that could be a hindrance to his professional future. Fans and media speculated that he could not work with another player until autumn 2025 and this sparked confusion across the tennis community. The rumors originated from a recent episode of the podcast “The Talking Tennis,” where a journalist claimed that Wiktorowski’s contract required him to wait a full year after parting ways with Swiatek. According to the report, the clause also stated that only Swiatek herself could permit him to coach someone else earlier.
Wiktorowski publicly dismissed the rumors with a firm statement. When asked by the Polish daily “Fakt” about the reports, he stated, “This information is completely untrue.” His direct response leaves no room for further speculation about any limitations on his professional activities.
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The existence of such a clause is highly unusual, not just in tennis but in any sport for that matter. Although football is a sport that sometimes imposes restrictions like banning loaned players from competing against their parent clubs, this type of contract rule is unheard of. It would have been a groundbreaking development in sports contracts if true, as it can influence how coaching relationships operate in the future. However, Swiatek’s team quickly denied the existence of such a clause and also assured fans that these reports were baseless.
Tomasz Wiktorowski z zakazem konkurencji? Sztab Igi Świątek stanowczo dementuje. “To nieprawda” https://t.co/9VM8E7JiMS
Jeżeli Iga mówi, że to nieprawda to nieprawda i przestańcie pieeerniki piec.— my_travelscenes (@My_travelscenes) November 26, 2024
Despite these clarifications, Wiktorowski’s next move in tennis is still not disclosed. Some rumors previously connected him to a tennis academy project led by businessman Józef Wojciechowski. Known as the former owner of the Polonia Warszawa football club, Wojciechowski, according to the reports, was building the academy and had Wiktorowski in mind to lead it. However, Wojciechowski also later denied having such plans and this comment added uncertainty to to the ex-coach’s career.
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Although the rumors have been clarified, tension is still abound. However, he isn’t the only one to deny the rumors as Swiatek’s existing team also cleared the air.
Iga Swiatek’s team denies rumors about coaching restrictions
According to a discussion that took place on podcast “The Talking Tennis,” the agreement between Iga and her coach could only be altered if both parties mutually agreed to a change. This sparked a major debate among fans and tennis enthusiasts who raised questions and made negative comments for both parties.
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However, Swiatek’s team has firmly denied these rumors by putting the speculation to rest. In a statement to the Polish newspaper Przegląd Sportowy, Swiatek’s PR manager, Paula Wolecka, cleared the matter directly. “The details of the cooperation between the athlete and the coach are of course confidential, but I can firmly deny this false information,” Wolecka stated. “Tomasz Wiktorowski is not covered by the ban on competition, and there are no restrictions on his future professional plans from his previous athlete. Both parties also wish each other the best,” she further added.
With these statements, Swiatek’s team has conclusively dismissed the claims. And that’s good for both the player and her former coach. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Is the tennis world too quick to jump on rumors, or is it just part of the game?
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