MusaLong before Iga Swiatek became the undisputed clay queen and World No. 1, there was a chapter quietly written—and abruptly closed—back in 2019. That year, as Swiatek was just beginning to crack into the tennis elite, a surprising split flew under the radar: her then-fitness coach, who had helped shape her physical foundations, walked away. Now, years later, that coach is finally pulling back the curtain—and the revelations are as unexpected as the departure itself.
In a candid interview, the ex-coach (whose identity has been a topic of speculation in Polish tennis circles) revealed that the decision to leave Swiatek’s team wasn’t due to drama or scandal—but rather, a clash of visions. “There were differences in long-term goals,” the coach admitted. “Iga had her own trajectory. I wasn’t sure I was aligned with the pace and direction things were going.”
Translation: she saw the rocket ship launching—and wasn’t ready to strap in.
The coach described Iga as “brilliant, but intense,” noting that the young Pole demanded a level of commitment and synergy that not every professional is prepared for. “Working with Iga is like working with a Formula One engine—you need to be precise, fast, and totally in sync. If you’re not 100% in, you fall behind.”
The exit, though quiet at the time, might have been the best thing for both parties. Swiatek went on to win her first French Open just a year later. Her team, now famously meticulous and tightly knit, is known for its harmony—something she likely built in the wake of early turbulence.
Looking back, the former coach seems more impressed than bitter. “She’s proven herself many times over. She knew what she needed, even back then.”
Sometimes, the greatest champions are made by knowing exactly who—and what—to let go.
Musa
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Olaniyi Ayoola