‘I stand with victims of abuse” – Hurkacz, Swiatek call for investigation into abuse claims against president of Polish Tennis Federation

World No 1 Iga Swiatek and world No 10 Hubert Hurkacz have called for an investigation into claims of sexual abuse and violence against current Polish Tennis president Mirosław Skrzypczyński.

The pair took to social media to voice their concern after Polish MP, Katarzyna Kotula, made public claims that Skrzypczyński, abused her multiple times when she was 13 years of age.

Kotula came forward after witnessing Skrzypczyński question the reliability of accusations against him. They were originally published by Polish outlet Onet, based on testimony of anonymous alleged victims.

Hurkacz – I hope that appropriate authorities will react to the press reports

“I support all women and all victims of abuse,” Hurkacz wrote. “No coach or guardian should use their power and position towards anyone. Any aggression, both in sports as well as outside of it needs to be condemned and punished. I hope that appropriate authorities will react to the press reports on the subject of the head of the Polish Tennis Association. I stand with all victims of abuse.”

Swiatek – “Governing bodies should determine what happened”

Swiatek took to social media to explain her position.

“When it comes to physical violence or emotional abuse, the most important issue is thinking and being sensitive about victims,” Swiatek wrote. “When we speak up about something wrong happening, we need to think about them first and most of all.”

“I’m against violence, in sports, in tennis, in every discipline and in everyday life,” the world No. 1 wrote. “That’s why I consider the articles about the president of the Polish Tennis Association as a serious matter.” 

Swiatek, like Hurkacz, called for a full investigation into the matter.

“Governing bodies should determine what happened and I hope they will take care of this case after the media wrote about the stories of people who they talked with,” she wrote. “This is not my role to do the work of governing bodies and journalists, as the matter is too serious, and it’s about people’s life and health.”

“Personally, I was lucky to not experience such difficult, terrible situations and I’m grateful for my dad and for how wisely he managed my career,” she said. “I have an amazing team, safety, and currently I’m really privileged, but I’m aware that not every athlete could have the same independence. I hope that with the exposure of such matters, and solving them carefully and fairly, sports will change for the better in Poland and in the world.”

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