Poland headed into the United Cup final as the favorites, but not many could’ve predicted Iga Swiatek‘s startling loss to Belinda Bencic – her first defeat to Bencic in five years, despite Poland’s final success. The 24-year-old required on-court treatment, showed raw emotion, and left fans concerned. Now, ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam, Swiatek has addressed her health status, offering clarity at a crucial moment.

Swiatek moved quickly to calm concerns about her health ahead of the Australian Open. After a draining match, she explained that there was no serious issue. “Everything is fine. Just super sore. I guess first tournament of the year it costs the body a bit differently than during the season.”

She said the physical toll was familiar. “But I had similar experience last year also. I’ll just get good recovery, couple days off.” The Pole stressed that rest and recovery were now the priority before the season’s first Grand Slam.

Swiatek also spoke honestly about the demands of team competitions. “Also, I know these team events. I love them but they really take a lot of energy from you.” She admitted balance remains a challenge. “I still need to figure out how to balance that maybe in the future (smiling).”

Her emotions on the bench were also addressed. “I get so excited on the bench, yeah, it’s almost like playing a match, honestly.” The intensity, she suggested, adds to both the joy and the fatigue of these events.

Reflecting on her loss to Belinda Bencic, Swiatek accepted her limitations. “Yeah, it’s all good. I for sure physically wasn’t in the second set the best version of myself.” She acknowledged Bencic’s sharp response. “Belinda really used it to push me.”

Looking ahead, her focus remains clear. “For sure, I’ll try to get that covered for the Australian Open, and we’ll see.” The comments came as Bencic was named the tournament’s MVP after an outstanding run.

Despite the setback, Swiatek’s recent season remains impressive. She returned for the 2026 United Cup after a strong year. She won titles in Seoul, Cincinnati, and the Wimbledon Championship. She also finished the season as world No. 2 for the second time.

She ended the year with 62 wins. That made her the first WTA player since Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis to post four straight 60-win seasons. Still, emotions have surfaced. She cried during earlier matches, tossed her racquet, and endured back-to-back defeats, underlining the pressure she now carries into Melbourne.

Team Poland clinch United Cup title despite Iga Swiatek’s defeat

Poland claimed its first United Cup title despite Swiatek’s singles defeat. Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski delivered the decisive blow. They beat Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul 6-4, 6-3 in mixed doubles. The match was played under a closed roof at Ken Rosewall Arena.

The loss ended Bencic’s hopes of a perfect tournament record. Earlier, Hubert Hurkacz had kept Poland alive. He defeated Switzerland’s playing captain, Stan Wawrinka, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. That win leveled the tie at one rubber apiece.

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Wawrinka, at 40, thrilled the crowd once again. The three-time Grand Slam champion raised the noise levels inside the arena. He even flashed love-heart gestures to the fans. Switzerland briefly looked capable of pulling off an upset at the $17 million mixed-team event.

The veteran produced moments of brilliance throughout the match. Hurkacz, meanwhile, felt the weight of expectation. The pressure of keeping Poland in contention showed at times. The atmosphere remained tense and electric.

In the end, experience and depth told. Wawrinka faded after claiming the second set. Poland regrouped and pushed forward. The victory sealed a long-awaited breakthrough after final losses in 2024 and 2025.

Hurkacz struggled to put the moment into words afterward. “Yeah, kind of speechless. It’s really incredible I think obviously personally but also massive day for Poland, for Polish tennis.” He praised the collective effort and pride behind the win. “To win that trophy, it tastes incredible.”

Swiatek later addressed her loss to Bencic. She denied any major issues. “I’m still here. Nothing crazy happened.” She admitted a dip in sharpness. “I think it was a mix of me losing the intensity.”

She added that physical factors played a role. “I wasn’t feeling so sharp with movements and with my legs. I wasn’t so precise anymore physically, I would say.” 

Attention now shifts to Melbourne. The Australian Open remains her next target after previous semifinal runs and recent setbacks.

Can Iga Swiatek finally conquer the Australian Open after last year’s loss to eventual champion Madison Keys? Only time will tell now.