Iga Swiatek Under Fire After Ex-WTA Player Reveals Pole Asked Her To Wash Dirty Clothes: “Daria Abramowicz Wanted Warm Chicken at 11 Am”

Iga Swiatek has once again found herself at the center of controversy. Former World No. 5 Daniela Hantuchova, who has worked in player and media relations for the Madrid Open since 2024, accused the Pole of showing little consideration for Madrid Open staff.

Swiatek won the Madrid Open in 2024 after overcoming World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets. That year, she approached Hantuchova carrying her dirty clothes and asked her what to do with them.

I also had the laundry incident, when Iga personally brought me her clothes and asked me what to do with them. I can’t imagine going up to someone from an older generation and saying, ‘Here’s my laundry, so wash it for me.’ And I actually went and dealt with it.

Daniela Hantuchova said on the Kanar+ podcast on the Czech channel Canal+ Sport (H/T: Tennis Up To Date)

That was not all. Last year, a nationwide power outage plunged the Madrid Open into darkness, causing chaos everywhere. Hantuchova revealed that serving food to players was difficult because of the power outage. But in spite of that, Hantuchova alleged that Swiatek’s psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, requested warm chicken in the morning.

We were literally handing out bread rolls for dinner, whatever we could get. And then, the next morning, I got a request from Iga Swiatek’s mental coach asking for warm chicken at 11 am. I mean, I could start making a fire on a stone for you. Can’t you see what’s happening here? We were just glad to get by. There was still no electricity, but they already wanted warm chicken at 11 am before the match.

Daniela Hantuchova added

This isn’t the first time Swiatek has faced criticism for her conduct. During last year’s Indian Wells Open, the former World No.1 smashed a ball in frustration, nearly hitting a ball boy.

Iga Swiatek is chasing her second title of the season at the Wuhan Open

At present, Iga Swiatek is in Wuhan, doing her all to qualify for the WTA Finals, which kicks off on November 8. She first breezed past countrywoman Magdalena Frech, then went on to knock out Ashlyn Krueger.

Swiatek is competing in Wuhan for the second time in her career after making her debut last year (reaching the quarterfinals). At the pre-tournament press conference, the 25-year-old admitted that the support she gets from the fans in China surprised her a great deal.

Yeah, actually every year I’m shocked how enthusiastic the fans are, and how committed, and they care a lot about us, and so many handmade gifts and letters. And I’m really grateful for that, because this is what we need at the end of the season to keep pushing, and their support is really positive and great, so knowing that I have them behind my back, it’s always a great feeling. So yeah, Chinese fans are for sure one of a kind.

Swiatek has won only one title this season so far. She reached her first final of the season at the Canadian Open and beat Elena Rybakina to end her title drought. After her defeat in the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open, Swiatek’s US Open campaign ended at the hands of Qinwen Zheng in the fourth round.

Before arriving in Wuhan, the former World No.1 competed at the China Open, where Elise Mertens ended her run in the quarterfinals. After the Wuhan Open, Swiatek will compete at the Ningbo Open, following which she will play at the Pan Pacific Open.

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