A lot of WTA stars are parting ways with their coaches! From Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina to Coco Gauff, players are perhaps seeking a fresh start at the end of the year. The latest addition to the list is Iga Swiatek. The Pole’s split with her coach Tomasz Wiktorowski came after her sloppy form in the hard-court season. Despite winning four grand slams, reaching the No. 1 spot in the world rankings, and winning 19 titles under Wiktorowski’s guidance, Swiatek now intends to take the “next step” in her career without him. While fans are wondering about the reason, a surprising revelation about their partnership has come to the fore.

“Our main goal was to become No. 1 player in the world and coach Wiktorowski was the one who said it first,” Iga Swiatek wrote in a heartfelt message about their split on Instagram. Per the Pole, during his stint, Wiktorowski helped her with his “analytical and strategic attitude and enormous knowledge” to achieve things within a few months that were beyond her dreams. But then, the question is: What went wrong?

As per an Insider report published in Sport.PL, Swiatek, and Wiktorowski “regularly slept in other hotels, such as in Miami” during the American hard-court swing. The report further suggests (citing the journalists who were covering the American swing) that Swiatek and the 43-year-old Wiktorowski maintained a strictly professional relationship. “They didn’t go to coffee or dinner together. There was no special chemistry between them, but there were victories. It worked and everyone was comfortable.”

Even during the Olympic games, where Swiatek eventually won a bronze medal, their tense dynamic was apparent and at times both lost their tempers. “He became nervous, used offensive words, and increasingly treated Iga harshly, such as in New York. He also led a completely different lifestyle than Iga. Less sporty, let’s call it.”

During her US Open campaign, where she exited during the QFs, it was evident that Swiatek hardly considered her coach’s comments. As per the report, despite continuing her training with Wiktorowski, the World No. 1 recognized the need for a change in her team and hence took the bold decision. Apart from deciding to part ways with Wiktorowski, Swiatek further shared another disappointing news with her fans!

Here’s why Iga Swiatek withdrew from the Wuhan Open

Following her third consecutive clay court victory in the French Open, Swiatek has hardly been seen in her usual form. Moreover, her complaints about the “tight” schedule further intensified the situation. Then, her repeated withdrawals from the Korea Open (citing that she was not in 100% readiness after the US Open) and the China Open (due to personal reasons) raised concerns among fans. Amid the coaching shake-up, the Pole has once again pulled out from an event in Wuhan.

“After an important change in my sports team, I decided to withdraw from the tournament in Wuhan. I’m really sorry for fans in China and those who wait to see me play, but I hope you understand that I need some time,” the five-time grand slam champion said while announcing her withdrawal from the Wuhan Open.

The World No. 1, who has played 14 tournaments this season and won five titles, is looking for a fresh perspective now. Hopefully, fans will soon witness her amazing prowess on-court once again!