In a recent exclusive interview, tennis star Victoria Azarenka has unveiled shocking details about her former coach Sam Sumyk. Known for his role in guiding Azarenka to back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2012 and 2013, Sumyk’s coaching tenure seemed illustrious. However, the recent revelations shed light on a darker side of their professional relationship, where Azarenka speaks candidly about feeling controlled and manipulated.

This revelation serves as a reminder that even within the seemingly glamorous world of professional sports, behind-the-scenes dynamics can have a profound impact on an athlete’s well-being. Let’s find out more.

Victoria Azarenka’s struggle with emotional turmoil over her former coach

During an interview with Simon Jordan on his podcast, Azarenka shared her experience of working with Sumyk and how it negatively affected her mental and emotional state. She felt isolated and manipulated, with Sumyk trying to have complete control over her career. Azarenka explained, “My coach at that time wasn’t the best person. He isolated me and manipulated me, making sure that his voice was the only one that mattered.”

Azarenka further opened up about the challenges she faced during a particularly difficult period in her career.  She expressed how Sumyk’s focus on financial incentives added an extra layer of pressure, forcing her to play even when she wasn’t physically or mentally prepared.

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“When I had a long injury, I had to go play when I didn’t want to because of coach bonus. I wanted a break. If I didn’t play, I felt guilty. He was always making it my fault,” Azarenka revealed.

Azarenka even opened up about how this constant exchange took a toll on her mental health and what she had to do to help herself.

Azarenka’s journey to self-discovery and liberation in Paris

Azarenka shared that she felt depressed and sought help from a psychologist. She realized her emotional state was influenced by someone else. To regain control, she spent 2.5 months alone in Paris, where she found her own voice again. This experience transformed her, and by the end of 2014, she felt empowered and renewed.

Azarenka revealed an interesting insight into her experience dealing with a narcissistic and controlling person. She recounted a moment when she asserted her independence by refusing a request from Sumyk. Surprisingly, he disappeared from her life shortly after.

His disappearance from her life brought her a profound sense of liberation. Azarenka’s story shows how standing up for yourself and breaking away from toxic people can bring a sense of empowerment.

Following his split from Azarenka in 2015, Sumyk went on to coach several prominent players. He worked with Eugenie Bouchard for seven months in 2015 and then formed a successful partnership with Garbine Muguruza. Together, they achieved impressive accomplishments, including winning the 2016 French Open and 2017 Wimbledon Championships, and reaching the coveted World No. 1 ranking. However, their collaboration came to an end after Wimbledon 2019.

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Victoria Azarenka’s revelations about her ex-coach, Sam Sumyk, shed light on the distressing experiences she went through. Her honesty highlights the importance of athlete well-being and the need for coaches to create a supportive and empowering environment.

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