Iga Swiatek has played down questions about her fitness heading into the Australian Open after her loss during Poland’s historic win at the United Cup.
Swiatek, who is currently ranked second in the WTA rankings, won the opening set before losing 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 to Belinda Bencic. A situation the Pole also found herself in twice during the WTA Finals last November. She also lost to Coco Gauff at the United Cup but recorded a positive win-loss record of 3-2 this year.
“Everything is fine. Just super sore,” Swiatek said of her current health.
“First tournament of the year, it causes the body (to feel) a bit different. Differently than during the season.
“But I had similar experience last year also, so I’ll just get good recovery, a couple of days off.
“Also, these team events, I really love them, but they really take a lot of energy from you.
“So I still need to figure out how to balance that maybe in the future because I get so excited on the bench.
“It’s almost like playing a match, honestly, so, yeah, it’s all good.”
Despite the doubts, Swiatek is relishing in her country’s triumph at the United Cup, which saw Poland come back from 0-1 to seal victory. The comeback was started by Hubert Hurkacz, who was playing in his first tournament since undergoing knee surgery last summer. Taking on Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka, who was playing in his first team final since the 2014 Davis Cup, the world No.83 battled to a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. win to level the tie.
Then, in the mixed doubles, Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski downed Bencic and Jakub Paul 6-4, 6-3 to clinch the title for Poland. It is third time lucky for the European nation, which finished runners-up in 2024 and 2025.
“I’m kind of speechless. It’s really incredible,” Hurkcaz said. “Obviously personally, but also a massive day for Poland, for Polish tennis. We showed how strong we are as a Polish country in tennis. To win that trophy, it tastes incredible. After we came very close two times.
“Just so grateful to the whole team, everyone supporting each other, just being together and enjoying the competition.”
Poland currently has five singles players in the top 100, with three of those being on the WTA Tour. In doubles, their highest-ranked man is 34th, and their top woman is 58th.
Three countries have won the United Cup since its debut in 2023 – America twice, Germany and Poland.
Note – quotes via Australian Asscoiated Press/United Cup
