Iga Swiatek’s dominant clay-court season, highlighted by victories in Paris, Rome, and Madrid, earned her the title “Queen of Clay.” Her early-season triumphs in Qatar and Indian Wells further elevated expectations. However, following an Olympic defeat, Swiatek’s hard-court form began to falter. A quarterfinal exit at the US Open and several withdrawals from Asian tournaments added to her struggles. Her recent Instagram post has sparked speculation among fans, wondering if it marks the beginning of her return to form.

Swiatek made a surprising announcement on October 4th, revealing her separation from her coach of three years, Tomasz Wiktorowski. The Polish tennis star, who brought on the former World No. 2 at the end of 2021, wrote:, “After 3 years of the greatest achievements in my career, together with my coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, we decided to part ways. I want to start with a big thank you and appreciating our work together.”

Appreciating his contribution to her gameplay, Swiatek further wrote, “Coach Wiktorowski joined my team for three seasons, when I strongly needed changes and a fresh approach to my game.” Talking about their combined goal, Swiatek wrote, “Our main goal was to become No.1 player in the world and coach Wiktorowski was the one who said it first. We aimed very high, we headed to every tournament with a clear goal to win it.” 

The Polish coach, who has also guided the former World No. 2, Agnieszka Radwańska, for nearly eight years, brought years of coaching experience to Swiatek’s team. Under the guidance of his former coach, Swiatek reached the top of the sport, won four grand slams, and also had the longest winning streak (of the 2000s) of her career, reeling off 37 consecutive wins in 2022. Together, they captured 19 of her 22 career titles and secured an Olympic silver medal at the Tokyo Games. 

Moreover, the Warsaw-based former player guided Swiatek to play aggressively, a playing style that Swiatek is now known for! And when Swiatek received the WTA player of the year in 2022, his now former coach shared the spotlight with her with a WTA Coach of the Year nominee. However, now Swiatek is ready to “take the next step” as she concluded the heartfelt note saying that she is already in “middle of first talks with coaches from abroad (non-Polish).” She then reassured her fans of letting them know of her “decision,” on the same.

Swiatek’s decision to split with her coach came after her recent withdrawal from the China Open. Does it have to do anything with the coach?

Revisiting Iga Swiatek’s multiple Asian tournament withdrawals before her split with the coach!

Following a US Open QF round defeat to Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek withdrew from the Korea Open due to ‘fatigue.’ After playing 14 tournaments this year, Swiatek confessed that she was not back to 100% of her form after the US Open tournament. Besides, by then the Pole had already vocalised her strong take on the tight schedule of tennis. “I don’t think our sport is going in the right direction,” she said in New York. However, that’s not it. Within a few weeks, she also withdrew from the China Open as well!

Before the tournament, Swiatek, who won the tournament last year, said, “Due to personal matters, I’m forced to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing. I’m very sorry, as I had an amazing time playing and winning this tournament last year and was really looking forward to being back there. I know that the fans will experience great tennis there and I’m sorry I won’t be a part of it this time.”

And now comes her decision to part ways with her coach. The Pole, who is currently at the World No. 1 position (for 123 weeks), is perhaps looking to regroup and emerge stronger. Will her new decision act in her favor? Only time will tell.