After squandering two match points against Germany in last year’s final and missing out on the title, Poland arrives in Australia brimming with motivation, according to tennis star Iga Swiatek, aiming to win the United Cup for the first time. The former world number one, currently ranked behind Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, leads the team into the tournament, which kicks off this Friday.
“Last year, we came very close. That match brings a lot of emotions, but I still remember it positively, even having lost the last point. It was a lot of fun,” Swiatek stated upon her arrival in Sydney, where Poland will debut against Norway on Monday. “We had match points in Hubie’s (Hurckacz) match. So, this year we definitely want another chance and, hopefully, advance to the later stages of the tournament to compete for victory because I believe the Polish team is incredible.”
The United Cup will serve as a gauge for Swiatek to evaluate her preseason under the guidance of new coach Wim Fissette, following the end of her partnership with Tomasz Wiktorowski. “Overall, I think my preparations have been very good, even though they were short because my season ended later than usual. I spent every day on the court with 100% commitment, and that was the most important thing,” she remarked
Swiatek and Hurkacz will lead the Polish team for the third consecutive year. In addition to the Norwegians, Poland will face the Czech Republic in another group stage match, set for the first day of 2025. Last year’s best player of the tournament, Swiatek does not hide her excitement to face Karolina Muchova (22nd) on New Year’s Day.
“Both matches will be tough, especially against the Czech Republic. I always have good matches with Karolina Muchova, usually going to three sets,” she commented. “But it’s the first tournament of the year, so you never know what kind of tennis you’re going to bring. You have to feel the court out.”
HOST EXCITED
Few players are as thrilled to compete in the United Cup as Alex de Minaur. After all, the world number 9 will be playing at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, where he spent much of his adolescence training and maturing in the sport. At home, the Australian will debut against Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry (39th) on Saturday.
“I’m extremely excited to be here in this arena, playing in front of family and friends. It’s an incredible atmosphere,” commented the 25-year-old, regarding what he considers his favorite court on the tour. “It’s something I’ve been looking forward to since we were announced to play here in Sydney.”
Born in the city, De Minaur will have the support of the crowd, which has previously helped him defeat names like Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, and Novak Djokovic in the tournament. “I’m looking forward to getting started and hope to secure some victories for my country,” said the Australian. “Kicking off the year at home, in front of our fans, is extremely exciting. I hope we can put together great performances and play some of our best tennis.
