Twelve months ago, Poland was on the brink of glory at the United Cup, narrowly missing its first title after a heartbreaking loss to Germany in the final. Now, with a determined Iga Swiatek at the helm, the team is poised to make another deep run and chase redemption in this year’s tournament.
Swiatek touched down at Sydney International Airport on Monday, ready to kick off her 2025 season and lead Poland’s charge in the prestigious mixed-team competition. Reflecting on last year’s close call, she expressed both determination and optimism.
“Last year we were so close,” Swiatek told Tennis Australia. “We had match points in Hubie’s [Hubert Hurkacz’s] match. So for sure this year we want to have another chance and hopefully go to the latest stages of the tournament to fight for winning it. The Polish team is amazing, and we have great experience playing together.”
Despite the painful loss, Swiatek looks back on last year’s final with a positive perspective. “It was an emotional match, but I still remember it as a positive experience. Even though we lost, it was pretty entertaining for sure.”
New Coach, Renewed Focus
Swiatek’s arrival in Sydney marks the start of a fresh chapter in her career. After a strong preseason under her new coach Wim Fissette, she feels physically and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. Fissette, who joined Swiatek’s team after her split with longtime coach Tomasz Wiktorowski following the US Open, has already made an impact.
“I had a great preseason, even though it was shorter than usual because my season ended later,” Swiatek said. “Every day on court was about giving 100 percent commitment, and that was the most important thing for me.”
Adjusting to the conditions in Sydney is a priority for Swiatek as she prepares for the tournament. “The conditions here are pretty different from what I’ve been training in. The next few days will be about practicing hard and getting used to the environment,” she added.
Poland’s Path to Glory
Swiatek and Hurkacz will once again lead Poland, marking their third consecutive year as the team’s cornerstones. Seeded No.2 in the tournament, Poland finds itself in a group with the Czech Republic and Norway. The team’s campaign begins on December 30 with a tie against Norway, followed by a highly anticipated clash with the Czechs on New Year’s Day.
Swiatek, who earned the tournament MVP title last year, is particularly looking forward to her potential matchup with Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic. The two have a history of thrilling three-set battles, and Swiatek is eager for another showdown.
“It’s always exciting to play Karolina. We’ve had great battles in the past, and it’s usually a tough, three-setter match,” Swiatek said. “But it’s the first tournament of the year, so you never know what kind of tennis you’ll bring. For now, I’m just taking it step-by-step and focusing on our first battles.”
The Quest for Redemption
Poland’s near-miss last year remains a source of motivation for Swiatek and her teammates. After falling just inches short of the title, they are determined to make the most of this year’s opportunity. The United Cup, which begins on December 27, offers a chance for Poland to showcase its strength and teamwork on the international stage.
“This team is special,” Swiatek said. “We’ve built a lot of chemistry and have great experience playing together. That’s going to be important as we aim to go further this year and bring home the title.”
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Swiatek, who enters the event as one of its marquee players. With her leadership, Poland hopes to not only overcome last year’s heartbreak but also etch its name into United Cup history as champions.
