Indian Wells: What’s the Role of a Psychologist in Tennis? Iga Swiatek’s Team-Mate Has the Answer

There is very little margin for error between tennis players as the sport becomes more competitive with each passing day. However, that little margin is what decides the winner and loser, unfortunately. The competitive nature of the sport can take a toll on a player’s mental health, which has seen a rise in psychologists on player’s teams, who work on the mental aspect of the game. World Number 1, Iga Swiatek, is one such player. Recently, her psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, delved deeper into her role in the sport.

Abramowicz is a sports psychologist and has been working with Swiatek since 2019. It has brought a massive difference in Swiatek’s performances and it has shown in her victories as well. Let’s find out what Abramowicz had to say.

Iga Swiatek’s psychologist believes casual conversations might be more effective than scheduled sessions

Recently, Daria Abramowicz appeared in an interview in Indian Wells where she talked about her association with the Polish tennis star. During that conversation, she expanded on her role, “As far as us, there is a lot of casual talk as well. One of the points of my philosophy is that sometimes a chat over dinner or lunch proves to be more effective than the scheduled session. We do have some strict appointments, but casual conversations as well.”

Further, she went on to add, “We do a lot of work on court: right before practice or a match, and right after practice or a match. Sometimes it is intense and I communicate very directly, and sometimes Iga takes charge. All the time, I am trying to be sensitive, to feel what she needs and to adjust the program so that it fits her as an individual in the best manner.”

Daria Abramowicz has been crucial to World Number One’s successes. Swiatek once praised her after achieving a big career victory.

Swiatek’s words of praise for her psychologist

In 2020, Swiatek won the French Open title, her maiden Grand Slam. Subsequently, she credited Abramowicz for playing a huge role in her success.

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Swiatek said, “Daria was the best I could get because she just understands me very well and she knows me very well and she can kind of read my mind, which is weird.”

The two have shared a deep bond and that shows from their long-term partnership. As their partnership grows further, Swiatek will feel lucky to have a team member in the form of Abramowicz.