Ewa Woydyłło apologises for calling Iga Świątek “głupiutka”

Polish psychologist and author Ewa Woydyłło appeared on the podcast “Return” on Trzeci Serwis, where she described tennis champion Iga Świątek as “głupiutka, wystraszona” and referred to Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka with derogatory terms such as “Russian babka”. The remarks triggered a wave of criticism from journalists, athletes, politicians and the public.

Woydyłło later issued a public apology, saying she felt ashamed of her comments, regretted the language used and expressed respect for Świątek. Journalist Małgorzata Ohme defended Woydyłło, arguing that the statements were misinterpreted, highlighting the author’s long‑standing career and contributions, and urging that a single mistake not erase decades of work.

The controversy underscores the sensitivity of public figures commenting on sports personalities in Poland and the rapid spread of backlash on social media.