Positives Despite Struggles

Swiatek won't blame coach, psychologist for lack of success, as rivals have improved

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ROME – Iga Swiatek has failed to win a tournament in almost a year, but the Polish world No. 2 has defended her coach and psychologist, despite the poor run of results and losing her place at the top of the world rankings in a difficult period.

Swiatek parted ways with her coach Tomasz Wiktorowski in October after three years, adding Belgian Wim Fissette to her team and in November accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for banned substance trimetazidine.

The five-time Grand Slam winner has drawn a blank since winning the 2024 French Open, and her latest result saw Swiatek lose her Madrid Open title in a crushing 6-1, 6-1 semi-final defeat by Coco Gauff last week.

"Sometimes I'm not happy with the way I play. It's natural, especially with my perfectionism. This can be seen on the court," she told Polish media outlet SportoweFakty in an interview.

"However, when I come off it, I can look at the season from a broader perspective.

"Then I find a lot of positives. Reaching the quarter-finals or semi-finals is a good result. Again, I am the most even player of the whole season."

Swiatek was asked if new coach Fissette was responsible for the lack of success. "No, this is a very harsh and unfair statement," the 23-year-old said.