“This is how the world works,” Iga Swiatek’s psychologist Daria Abramowicz reflects on the status of ‘national treasure’ being a burden on the Pole

Iga Swiatek's psychologist revealed that external pressure may have caused her player to lose a chance at an Olympic gold.

“This is how the world works,” Iga Swiatek’s psychologist Daria Abramowicz reflects on the status of ‘national treasure’ being a burden on the Pole

Iga Swiatek and Daria Abramowicz (Via Imago)

Iga Swiatek‘s psychologist Daria Abramowicz reflected on her player’s performance at the Paris Olympics, especially after heading in with the pressure of being hailed as the ‘national treasure’. With the Olympics being held in Roland Garros, Swiatek had the extra pressure of keeping up her performance there.

Heading into the Games, the Pole won the French Open with ease and was the favorite to win as well. As expected, the WTA No. 1 got off to a great start, winning matches with ease. That was until she took on Danielle Collins in the quarterfinal.

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After struggling against the American, Swiatek seemed short of confidence, which showed in her next match against Qinwen Zheng. For the first time this year, the Polish ace was beaten in straight sets on clay, ending her dream of Olympic gold but still giving her a chance to win a medal for her country.

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Swiatek then beat Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in straight sets to win bronze. It was an incredible opportunity for the Pole, but she was disappointed about missing out on gold. Her psychologist Daria Abramowicz suggested that it may have been due to the added pressure.

We have already talked about how some people call Iga a "national treasure". In a sense, this is taking away the athlete's autonomy and the chance to do something for themselves.
Daria Abramowicz said via sport.rp.pl.

The psychologist noted that pressure increases with success, and with Swiatek’s impressive tour performance, immense pressure was inevitable. Nonetheless, she secured a crucial bronze to add to Poland’s medal count.

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Iga Swiatek and her father Tomasz Swiatek

Daria Abramowicz revealed Iga Swiatek’s reaction after the semi-final loss

Iga Swiatek, who was heading into the Paris Olympics with immense pressure and responsibility to do well, missed out on a chance for gold with a loss to Qinwen Zheng in semis. Despite this, she won a bronze medal for her country.

Donna Vekic, Qinwen Zheng and Iga Swiatek
L-R: Donna Vekic, Qinwen Zheng and Iga Swiatek (Via Imago)

After her semi-final loss, her psychologist Daria Abramowicz revealed that dealing with Swiatek after the loss was the hardest thing she had to do. However, she felt that such lessons were important for Swiatek, who saw success at an early age. 

I think so.
Daria Abramowicz said on whether Swiatek’s loss in semis was the most difficult one in her work

Abramowicz also revealed that they won’t head back to Poland but remain in Paris for a couple more days and then move on to the US for the tournaments before the fourth Grand Slam, the US Open. Swiatek also withdrew from the upcoming Toronto Open to prioritize her body and rest a little before the American tour.

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