“Then We Head Towards Depression” – Iga Swiatek’s Ex-Coach Dissects the Unsettling Mental Toll Behind the World no.1’s Delayed Comeback

There is a famous saying, “Take care of your mind, your body will thank you.” Iga Swiatek’s constant struggle to cope with the hectic schedules perhaps reminds some of the same. Swiatek previously complained about how jam-packed tennis schedules make tennis “less fun” for the players. Although she loves taking part in multiple tournaments across the globe, at times she feels it’s “pretty exhausting.” We saw her withdraw her name from the Canadian Open and the China Open due to “fatigue” and personal reasons, respectively. What can be the real reason behind her prolonged absence? Does her childhood coach, Artur Szostaczko has any idea about this?

Well, Iga Swiatek was last seen in action in her QF match at the 2024 US Open. It has been almost close to one month since she last played her competitive match. Swiatek has already won 5 titles this season, and fans can’t wait to see her back in action. Addressing the same curiosity about her comeback and the possible reasons behind these withdrawals, Szotaczko said, “If the head doesn’t work, the body doesn’t work either, because it doesn’t feel confident. In such situations, everything irritates a person, they feel tired and unfortunately, then we head towards depression. When we are broken and dissatisfied, this is already a depressive reaction.“

During the same interview with ‘SPORT.PL’, the coach said, “I guess no one consciously wants to give up being number one. Not going to a big tournament and automatically giving up a thousand points? Iga didn’t report an injury, for me, it’s a classic mental breakdown.” He hinted that Iga Swiatek could now lack a bit of strength (both physically and mentally). So, he assumed that Swiatek needed this break to reset and come back stronger for the rest of the season. What else did he say in that interview?

Szotaczko even addressed, Iga Swiatek’s psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, during the interview. According to him, it’s time for the psychologist to show her knowledge and skills. “It is not a problem to say how phenomenal someone is when everything works for the player. I have said many times that Iga is extremely talented,” said Artur Szotaczko. Next up for Swiatek in the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan. The tournament is scheduled to start on October 7. With already Aryna Sabalenka breathing down the neck of the Polish superstar, it’s high time she gets back on track. Otherwise, her year-end-no. 1 dream will be under some real threat!