# Świątek mental coaching controversy escalates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-iga-witeks-mental-coaching
> Updated: 2026-08-05T09:15:56.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

The dispute over sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz’s role in Iga Świątek’s mental preparation, which began in early July, grew sharper after Polish psychologist Ewa Woydyłło appeared on the Trzeci Serwis “Return” podcast in early August. Woydyłło called Świątek “probably stupid, scared” and suggested Abramowicz was present mainly for money. The episode was quickly removed from YouTube and the producers issued an apology, acknowledging their own responsibility for the content.

Prominent voices—including journalist Monika Olejnik, former minister (now Warsaw mayor) Bogdan Zdrojewski, former skier Justyna Kowalczyk‑Tekieli, psychologist Dorota Zawadzka and journalist Jacek Holub—condemned the remarks as hateful, unprofessional and lacking empathy. The backlash dominated Polish media coverage.

Amid the controversy, Świątek returned to competition at the WTA 1000 event in Toronto, defeating Sara Bejlek 6‑0, 6‑3. The episode reinforced public debate in Poland about the limits of commentary on athletes’ mental health and the appropriate role of psychological support for elite sportspersons.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: Iga Swiatek receives mayoral backing after psychologist’s derogatory remarks

Psychologist Ewa Woydyło called Iga Swiatek “stupid and scared,” prompting backlash and public defense from Warsaw mayor Bogdan Zdrojewski and criticism from journalist Jacek Holub.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iga-swiatek-receives-mayoral-backing-after-psychologists-derogatory-remarks

### 2026-08-03: Ewa Woydyłło's comments on Iga Świątek trigger media uproar and podcast removal

Ewa Woydyłło's critical remarks about Iga Świątek led to a podcast removal, public apologies, and widespread media backlash in Poland.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polish-psychologist-ewa-woydyo-sparks-controversy-with-remarks-on-iga-witek-and-aryna-sabalenka

### 2026-07-06: Iga Świątek's mental coach Daria Abramowicz criticized for over‑involvement

Critics, including commentator Lech Sidor, say Daria Abramowicz’s close, year‑long involvement with Iga Świątek breaches sports‑psychology norms and may reflect sexist backlash.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iga-witeks-mental-coach-daria-abramowicz-criticized-for-overinvolvement

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Cite as: Świątek mental coaching controversy escalates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-iga-witeks-mental-coaching