Iga Swiatek parts ways with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, announces withdrawal from Wuhan Open 2024

Iga Swiatek and Tomasz Wiktorowski won four Grand Slam titles together.

Iga Swiatek has ended her working relationship with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, saying the decision was mutual. During their three years together, the Pole conquered the WTA World No. #1 position besides winning four of her five Grand Slam titles with him at the helm. 

“After three years of the greatest achievements in my career, together with my coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, we decided to part ways,” the World No. #1 shared on Instagram. “I want to start with a big thank you and appreciating our work together,” she added.

The 23-year-old further added that a search for a replacement was underway, and a decision would be made soon.  

Wiktorowski came on board as coach towards the end of the 2021 season. His contribution included 19 of her 22 career titles and the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. 

Swiatek also announced that she would not play at the Wuhan Open 2024, the season’s final WTA 1000 event. This paves the way for Aryna Sabalenka to make inroads into Swiatek’s lead at the top of the WTA rankings. Currently, Swiatek leads Sabalenka by 2169 points and a deep run in Shanghai could swing things in the Belarusian’s favour. 

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A post shared by Iga Świątek (@iga.swiatek)

The quarter-final run at the WTA 1000 China Open 2024 will come to Sabalenka’s aid, further closing the gap with her Polish rival.

Swiatek became the first Polish World No. #1 one in April 2022. She recently made it to 123 weeks at the top of the rankings ahead of Justin Henin (117 weeks) and Ash Barty (121 weeks). Swiatek is now 55 weeks away from Monica Seles, who is sixth on the list for most weeks as No. #1 coming in 178 overall.

She has voiced her criticism of the packed schedule and increase in mandatory tournaments on the WTA Tour in the recent past. 

Two other players have switched on the women’s tour have switched coaches recently. Coco Gauff from Brad Gilbert and Naomi Osaka from Wim Fissette following the US Open in September.

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