Iga Swiatek’s journey from a teenage tennis prodigy to a five-time Grand Slam champion has been marked by extraordinary talent and mental fortitude. But behind her on-court success stands a pivotal figure: Daria Abramowicz, her psychologist and trusted confidante since 2019. As Swiatek navigates one of the most challenging moments of her career, Abramowicz’s influence has proven indispensable.
A Bond Beyond Tennis
Abramowicz’s relationship with Swiatek transcends the typical player-psychologist dynamic. Their closeness is exemplified by Abramowicz’s tattoo commemorating Swiatek’s bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics—a touching gesture reflecting the deep bond they share. Abramowicz has been instrumental in shaping Swiatek’s mental approach to tennis, helping her weather the storms that come with life as a top athlete.
But in 2024, Abramowicz’s role took on an unprecedented level of importance when Swiatek faced her toughest off-court battle: a doping scandal.
The Doping Scare That Shook Swiatek
In November, Swiatek tested positive for trimetazidine, a prohibited substance. The tennis world held its breath as the reigning French Open champion faced potential sanctions that could derail her career. Swiatek ultimately received a one-month suspension after proving the substance came from contaminated melatonin tablets—a revelation that likely spared her a more severe punishment.
For Swiatek, the ordeal was a stark reminder of the fragility of a sports career. It’s almost certain that Abramowicz played a crucial role in helping Swiatek navigate this emotional and professional upheaval. Her suspension ended just in time for her to return at the United Cup, where she began her 2025 season.
Mental Strength Amid Controversy
The doping scare may have been a wake-up call for Swiatek, reinforcing her love for tennis beyond financial rewards or accolades. During a recent appearance on Caroline Garcia’s Tennis Insider Club Podcast, Swiatek candidly admitted she had previously been distracted by the pressures of money and sponsorships. It was Abramowicz who intervened and guided her back to focusing on the sport itself.
“She saw that I wanted to figure it out on my own, but I didn’t,” Swiatek confessed. “After some time, she showed me: ‘Hey, this is not a good way to go.’ I refocused and could continue working on court rather than behind the laptop.”
This recalibration has paid off. Swiatek has been the most statistically dominant WTA player since ascending to world No. 1 in April 2022.
What Lies Ahead for Swiatek
As Swiatek embarks on her 2025 campaign, she faces the lingering shadow of her doping case and new controversies, such as her recent medical timeout against Coco Gauff that sparked backlash. Abramowicz will once again be instrumental in helping Swiatek maintain her focus and composure amid external scrutiny.
The challenges ahead will test Swiatek’s mental toughness, but with Abramowicz by her side, she remains poised to tackle them head-on. For Swiatek, this partnership is more than just professional—it’s the cornerstone of her resilience in an unforgiving sport.