Stockings Enlightenment Coach: Olympic Loss to Zheng Qinwen Shattered Her Edge, The Psychologist Should Be the First to Be Fired

In the 2026 season, Swiatek, the former queen of clay, suffered her worst start in nearly seven years: swept by Gauff in the United Cup; early exits at the Australian Open, Doha, and Indian Wells; and in Miami, she was swept by compatriot Linette in her opening match, setting an embarrassing record. Although Swiatek subsequently fired coach Fisette, the outside world found it very hard to understand her decision to retain the team psychologist.

In women's tennis, Swiatek was a pioneer in hiring a full-time psychological counselor. Since 2019, Abramowicz has been inseparable from Swiatek, who was only 17 at the time, witnessing her transformation from a promising newcomer to a dominant force with six Grand Slam titles and the world No. 1 ranking. Swiatek has repeatedly expressed her extreme dependence and gratitude towards Abramowicz publicly. After her glorious 2022 season, she gifted her a pair of exquisitely hand-painted sneakers inscribed with: "None of this would exist without you." However, following her defeat at the 2024 Olympics, Swiatek frequently exhibited emotional outbursts and hesitation on crucial points during matches. Consequently, the outside world began to question this once celebrated partnership.

Regarding Swiatek's current issues, her junior coach, Artur Sosnowski, recently spoke out in an interview with Polish media, directly targeting Swiatek's psychologist—Abramowicz.

“I don't know of any tennis player who spends day and night with their psychologist. They vacation together, travel to tournaments together, watch movies together. Iga is extremely dependent on her.” Sosnowski stated bluntly in the podcast.

He traced the root of the problem back to the Paris Olympics. Sosnowski believes the blow of winning silver (actually bronze, editor's note: refers to losing in the semifinals and missing the gold) was devastating: “That was her father's dream. After that, Iga's mentality collapsed, and it persists to this day. Last year, without the Wimbledon title, Iga wouldn't have won any major tournament championships.”

Sosnowski then posed a pointed question to Abramowicz: “This is why I mention Abramowicz: if she is truly so professional, why isn't she helping a player who seems somewhat lost?” He concluded: “I'll say it plainly: Iga has only one problem. She hasn't forgotten how to play tennis; all the problems are in her head.”

It is worth noting that Sosnowski's remarks are not isolated. Previously, Polish sports psychologist Dariusz Nowicki stated that "certain boundaries" between therapist and player had been breached, suggesting this long-term,捆绑式 collaboration could be a "trap".

However, rational voices also point out that the psychologist's role should not be entirely negated due to recent低谷. It was Abramowicz's陪伴 that helped Swiatek through the multiple Grand Slam夺冠的高光时刻 previously.

On social media, fans have engaged in heated debates regarding Swiatek's relationship with Abramowicz.

The质疑派 argue, "That woman who always makes faces when Iga loses—shouldn't you be the calmer one helping her? I see she's more anxious than Iga." The失望派 express: "I used to think Iga was mentally strong, but now it seems that was only because winning came easily. Since the Olympics when Zheng Qinwen broke her unbeaten aura, there's no light in her eyes. The psychologist should take the blame." The支持派 say: "Don't blame everything on the psychologist. Iga has won so many Grand Slams; everyone has低谷 periods. Didn't Sabalenka崩溃 when she had many double faults on serve? Give her some time."

Facing the external controversy, Swiatek's father Tomasz, who has一直陪伴女儿征战, swiftly issued the strongest rebuttal, angrily斥责 critics on social media: "What achievements do you have? Almost nothing. Mind your own business. You don't know what's happening at all!"

For Swiatek, the real remedy lies on the court. The 2026 season campaign has begun, and the clay season is approaching—this is her most擅长领地. If she cannot quickly摆脱心理桎梏, this former "queen of clay" may face even more difficult circumstances. Whether to "replace the psychologist" or "change the mindset" might be the most urgent难题 for Swiatek's team currently.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Lu Xiaotian)