For Iga Swiatek, her accomplishments on the court have been impressive, to say the least. But to her father, she will always be his beloved daughter, who needs support and love from the sidelines. Many fans may recognize him for his guiding role in her career as a former Olympic rower who encouraged his daughters to pursue sports from an early age. It looks like he has now taken a step back granting the WTA No. 1 to take the reins of her journey moving forward.

In a recent interview, he expressed how he does not need to motivate Iga or suggest training methods—she is already driven and self-sufficient. “Iga is so intelligent and independent that we don’t even talk about it,” he stated. “I don’t suggest or hint at anything. She has trainers for that. I have stepped aside.” Exuding a profound trust that allows Iga Swiatek to flourish under the guidance of her hand-picked team of experts.

The player ranked No. 1 in the WTA has a strong support system and all the necessary tools for success. Under the guidance of Tomasz Wiktorowski, her head coach, and Maciej Ryszczuk, who oversees her physical preparation, along with Daria Abramowicz, who provides psychological support. Tomasz, acknowledges their roles with admiration, saying, “The team works very well, and they themselves make sure that the workload is at the right level.”

Iga Swiatek’s performance on the court has been nothing short of spectacular. In 2022, she achieved a remarkable 37-match winning streak. Not to forget, she captured two Grand Slam titles: her second French Open and her first U.S. Open. Going into 2023, she continued her dominance on clay, winning the Madrid Open and the Italian Open in consecutive weeks, a feat known as the “dirt double.”

This year, Swiatek defeated strong opponents like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff. Her match against Sabalenka at the 2024 Madrid Open lasted over three hours and was hailed as one of their best encounters. She went on to become the talk of the town with the tennis community.

Although her father laid the foundation for her early success, Iga now soars to new heights on her own. Did he realize that stepping back was crucial for Iga’s growth, allowing her to thrive while still being a supportive presence?

Iga Swiatek’s father puts his familial bond before anything else

Tomasz Swiatek’s decision to step back from Iga’s career was not easy, but it has proven wise. “I didn’t cut myself off; I’m still with her and attend many tournaments,” he explains. He consciously allows Iga the freedom to work and live as she wishes.

Before the 2024 Olympics in Paris, he discussed his role with Iga. “She agreed; she wanted me by her side during the tournament,” he recalls, expressing joy in supporting her as a parent. This support was meaningful as Iga went on to win the bronze medal. She fulfilled his own Olympic dream that he had missed out on as a rower in 1988.

Tomasz believes that a clear division of roles has benefited Iga’s success. “It really is more beneficial when there is a division of roles and competencies,” he states. Despite stepping back, he remains an integral part of Iga’s life. “We are first and foremost a family, and family is not work,” he emphasizes.

Iga’s achievements reflect the strength of her bond with her father, Tomasz, and his wise decision to trust her abilities and coaching team. Tomasz’s unwavering support remains a foundational element of her legacy. It always reminded her of the sacrifices he made to help her succeed. Together, they have forged a legacy that will inspire future generations of tennis players.