Iga Swiatek has made a significant change to her management team, parting ways with her long-time public relations manager, Paula Wolecka, and appointing Daria Sulgostowska in her place. This marks the second major adjustment for the Polish tennis star in recent months, following her decision to replace coach Tomasz Wiktorowski with Wim Fissette earlier in October.
The latest development comes in the wake of Swiatek’s recent doping controversy, which surfaced last Thursday when it was revealed that she had failed a doping test in August. Although she received a provisional suspension in September, Swiatek clarified that the positive result was due to a contaminated melatonin medication, which she had unknowingly taken. The anti-doping authorities determined her fault to be of “the lowest range of No Significant Fault or Negligence,” resulting in a symbolic one-month suspension.
According to Polish tennis insider Michal Samulski, the change in Swiatek’s PR management was planned in advance. “After almost four years, the cooperation between Iga and her PR manager Paula Wolecka is coming to an end. Daria Sulgostowska has become Iga’s new PR manager,” he reported on social media platform X.
Sulgostowska expressed her enthusiasm for joining Swiatek’s team, stating, “Joining the team of Iga Światek, a person who sets sports and social standards, is an incredible distinction. As someone passionate about sports, especially tennis, I greatly respect the image work done by the entire team so far.”
Before the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announcement on November 28, the public was unaware of the doping investigation involving the world No. 2. It became clear that Swiatek had missed the Asian swing of the tour due to “personal reasons.” The ITIA emphasized that Swiatek did not knowingly take a banned substance, and in a recorded video message, she expressed her shock upon learning of the positive test.
“On September 12, I learned that my anti-doping test sample, collected on August 12 before the Cincinnati tournament, was positive. It was a blow for me; I was shocked and anxious. I couldn’t understand how this was possible,” Swiatek stated, adding that she had never heard of the substance trimetazidine before the incident. She described the experience as “the toughest battle of her life,” which negatively impacted her mental health.
While many fans and members of the tennis community accepted her explanation, some questioned the fairness of the situation. Swiatek expressed concern that this incident could tarnish her carefully built image. “I hope you will understand what happened, how I had no control over it, and could do nothing to prevent this unfortunate turn of events,” she said.
The WTA voiced its support for Swiatek shortly after the ITIA’s announcement, describing the situation as “an unfortunate incident.” They acknowledged her commitment to fair play and the challenges athletes face regarding medications and supplements. “The WTA remains steadfast in our support for a clean sport and emphasizes that athletes must take every precaution to verify the safety and compliance of all products they use,” the organization stated.
Having already served 22 days of her provisional suspension, Swiatek’s ban will expire on Wednesday. She is set to compete in the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi from December 19-22, followed by the United Cup, as she aims for her first Australian Open title in the upcoming season.
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