Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek has once again found herself in the spotlight, this time due to questions surrounding her relationship with sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz. Following her recent emotional outbursts during Indian Wells, critics have pointed to a lack of professional boundaries between the two, raising concerns about its impact on her performance.
Dariusz Nowicki, a renowned psychologist from Poland, voiced his concerns in an interview with sport.interia, where he stated that the relationship between Swiatek and her psychologist goes beyond the typical professional dynamic. Similar concerns had been raised in the past, but the recent on-court incidents have reignited the debate.
Expert Criticism Over Professional Boundaries
Speaking about the issue, Nowicki remarked, “From a strictly psychological standpoint, this is an unbalanced relationship where professional boundaries between a psychologist and their client appear to be blurred.”
He further explained that such close ties could cloud judgment, affecting performance assessments and the ability to manage emotions effectively. “Maintaining a level of psychological detachment is crucial for objective evaluation and decision-making. If emotions interfere, it can lead to misjudgments and poor guidance,” he added.
Nowicki emphasized that within a training team, at least one individual should exercise rationality and emotional control. He noted that while coaches often display strong emotions during high-pressure moments, a sports psychologist must maintain professional distance to ensure their role remains effective and unbiased.
Accusations of an Overly Close Relationship
These remarks came in response to earlier claims made by former Polish tennis player Jerzy Janowicz, who had questioned Swiatek’s dynamic with her psychologist. “I would call her a friend rather than a psychologist,” Janowicz stated in an interview with Sport.pl. He further pointed out that top athletes’ psychologists usually remain behind the scenes, avoiding public attention.
Despite the scrutiny, neither Iga Swiatek nor Daria Abramowicz have responded to the allegations. However, the discussion has sparked debate within the tennis community, with some arguing that a strong support system is essential for athletes’ mental health, while others stress the importance of professional boundaries in sports psychology.
As Swiatek continues her tennis career, the controversy surrounding her psychologist raises broader questions about the role of mental health professionals in elite sports and their level of involvement in an athlete’s personal and professional life.
