Iga Swiatek: The psychological secret behind world No 1’s stunning rise to top of tennis

Iga Swiatek of Poland poses with the trophy

Iga Swiatek is setting an example for not just sportspeople but wider society with her focus on mental health and preparedness.

That is the view of psychologist Daria Abramowicz, who travels with the world number one and is considered as important a part of her team as her coach and physio.

Swiatek is still only 20 but marked herself out as a teenager by prioritising mental training alongside her physical development.

Mental health has been at the forefront in women’s tennis in particular over the past year with Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu both stepping away from the sport for periods to look after themselves and opening up about their difficulties.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Abramowicz said of Swiatek’s attention on her mind: “It’s unique, it’s amazing. And I really, really do hope that she will set an example for other young athletes.

“I can see already generational change but I hope athletes like Iga – and also Bianca Andreescu, Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles – they are so young but they are really, really doing a great job to educate.

“I hope we will have many, many more and it will raise awareness not only in the sports environment but also in the everyday life of many people.”

Swiatek was elevated to the top of the world rankings earlier this season by the shock retirement of Ashleigh Barty but has taken it spectacularly in her stride.

The Pole will go into the French Open as a huge favourite to regain the title she won as a breakthrough sensation in 2020 after winning five straight titles and 28 successive matches.

Backing up a big breakthrough is one of the hardest things to achieve in sport but Abramowicz revealed preparing for such a scenario helped Swiatek avoid