Former world number one Iga Swiatek crashed out of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo this week. Veronika Kudermetova managed to defeat the top seed in a thrilling quarterfinal encounter. However, some eagle-eyed fans noticed something about Iga’s psychologist, Daria Abramowicz. She faced the ire of tennis fans, as her mentee was knocked out.
Kudermetova did the unthinkable by defeating Swiatek. The Russian player breezed through the opening set before Swiatek fought back hard to clinch the second. When the match went down to the wire, Kudermetova held her nerve to show Iga the exit door.
It was an embarrassing defeat for Swiatek, who has struggled throughout the hardcourt swing. But fans took note of something even more embarrassing from Swiatek’s team. Abramowicz was on her phone when Iga was trailing 4-0 to Kudermetova in the opening set.
D@ria is scrolling twitter now pic.twitter.com/B1ateWhHBH
— maja (@missswiatekfan) September 29, 2023
Daria has been on the receiving end of hate online. Fans were unnerved by how much influence she exerted over Iga, even for something as simple as a haircut.
Daria is once again under attack from fans, who want her and the rest of Swiatek’s team gone too. “I’m sorry but this is pissing me off,” wrote a fan about Abramowicz. Here are a few fan reactions to the incident.
i’m sorry but this is pissing me off. idk if iga requests this but when your player is down why are you on your phone and looking away when you could be trying to cheer her up. not even making an effort to act like you care https://t.co/oKfXXExYm8
— ۟ (@904tr) September 29, 2023
Daria is a burden now , Daria is a problem for Iga .
— Gorila en BsAs (@antoniodevicen2) September 29, 2023
“I have good people around me that guide me well” https://t.co/FTvsBTuhX1
— K (@roses_forehand) September 29, 2023
Iga Swiatek and Daria Abramowicz go a long way back. The psychologist has been working closely with Iga since she was a teenager. Her influence on Swiatek is noticeable.
Daria Abramowicz opens up about her influence on Iga Swiatek
In the last couple of years, Daria has become an integral part of Iga’s life. Before taking Iga under her wing, Abramowicz worked with a number of other athletes.
The psychologist opened up about working with the youngster and how Swiatek has changed and matured. Daria’s influence is especially evident during matches, in the way Swiatek breathes or takes stock of her situation.
Abramowicz also revealed some of the changes she incorporated into Swiatek’s routine. They worked on a lot of off-court issues, like communication, building a brand, etc. “If you feel comfortable and you feel safe in these areas, then you are able to be more focused on your tennis, practice, and performance,” she said (via Tennis Majors).
Iga Swiatek hired Daria in 2019, and the duo have forged an amazing partnership. Swiatek has won four Grand Slam titles so far, and looking for more. She will participate in the China Open next.
