Iga Swiatek's ex-coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, has insisted his split from the player was done respectfully after reports that he instigated the move to end their partnership.
There was much shock when Swiatek parted with Wiktorowski after three years together. They enjoyed significant success after the 43-year-old joined her team at the end of 2021.
Swiatek became world No. 1 for the first time in April 2022, just a few months after Wiktorowski joined her team. She went on an incredible 37-match winning streak, won the French Open for the second time, and claimed a maiden US Open title in 2022.
The Pole won two more French Open crowns with Wiktorowski by her side. She also became just the seventh player to record multiple 50-week stints at No. 1, despite still being just 23.
Swiatek's statement about the split was very respectful and grateful to Wiktorowski. It thanked him for playing a pivotal role in her superb success in the last three years and said he deserved to rest.
However, a report from Portal i.pl provided a more complicated version of events. It claimed Wiktorowski instigated the move and that Swiatek's psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, was one of the reasons he decided to stop working with the four-time French Open champion.
The report says Abramowicz's influence on Swiatek goes far beyond her job description of psychologist, leading to her helping in training matters and advising tactics during matches.
After being irritated by Abramowicz's behavior for a while, the report states Wiktorowski was fed up and left Swiatek's team for that reason, despite Ambramowicz trying to stop him by promising to accept his decisions moving forward.
Wiktorowski has responded to those rumors for the first time. The successful coach, who also worked with Agnieszka Radwanska from 2011 to 2018, told Przeglad Sportowy that the rumors were fake news, and that Swiatek's announcement explained the situation.
"There have been a lot of speculations and insinuations... Definitely too much, considering that the message that was issued very precisely defines our decision. It is enough to read it with understanding, not with the intention of looking for sensation. Our end of cooperation was done with respect for both parties and no fake news will change that."
The Polish coach acknowledged that it is impossible to avoid difficult situations during a three-year working relationship with a top athlete but stated any issues that emerged were always dealt with.
"I think that in general we had a very good relationship in the team. During three years of intensive cooperation, it is impossible to avoid difficult situations, but even then, we always found a way to reach an agreement and get back on track."
"Iga and everything related to the preparation of a player at the highest level have always been a priority for us. It was simply a necessity. We have never made sudden and, above all, ill-considered decisions."
It remains to be seen whether Wiktorowski's explanation is enough to stop further rumors, but what he and Swiatek achieved together deserves considerable respect.