Iga Swiatek returned to clay at the Madrid Open 2026 with noticeable changes in her support team, sparking widespread speculation. The absence of her long-time sports psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, quickly caught the attention of fans. This came shortly after her early exit at the Miami Open and her split with coach Wim Fissett, raising questions about stability in her camp.
New Coach and Team Rotation
The Polish star has brought in Francisco Roig as her new coach. However, Abramowicz’s absence from recent tournaments like Stuttgart and Madrid led to widespread speculation. Her manager, Daria Sulgostowska, has now clarified the situation. Swiatek, meanwhile, continues her Madrid campaign and is preparing for her next match against Ann Li after progressing smoothly in the early rounds.
Psychologist's Absence Reason Revealed
Iga Swiatek’s team has dismissed rumors surrounding Abramowicz’s absence. According to her manager, the psychologist is currently dealing with health-related issues and is expected to rejoin the team during the upcoming Rome tournament. She also explained that such rotations within the support team are normal and should not be seen as a concern. The manager emphasized that speculation can negatively affect both the player and her staff, especially when the focus should remain on her performance and preparation.
On-Court Recovery
On the court, Swiatek has shown signs of recovery. She secured a convincing win over Daria Snigur with a 6-1, 6-2 scoreline to move into the next round. She will now face Ann Li as she looks to build momentum on her preferred clay surface. Despite the positive result, Swiatek recently admitted she has been struggling with her mental health.
Mental Health Challenges
She reflected on her loss to Magda Linette in Miami, saying that the game currently feels mentally complicated. She acknowledged that while tennis should feel simple, she has been finding it difficult to stay mentally clear during matches. She added that improving her mindset will take time and described her Miami performance as a tough experience to process.
Recent Results and Consistency
After Miami, Swiatek competed at the Stuttgart Open, where she defeated Laura Siegemund before losing to Mirra Andreeva in a close contest. Consistency has been a challenge since her title run at the Korea Open in 2025. Now back on clay, Swiatek will aim to regain her rhythm and build confidence as the season progresses.
