“Finally I won a match,” exclaimed seventh-seeded Jasmine Paolini, after conquering Iga Swiatek, a player she had never beaten before. For the Polish star, however, the tide seems to have turned. Fresh off her Korea Open triumph, Swiatek’s rhythm faltered as she fell in the R16 at the China Open and then in the Wuhan Open quarterfinals to the relentless Italian. With the WTA Finals drawing near, Swiatek now looks to reset her momentum. In a determined move, she has confirmed her participation in the United Cup, signaling a fierce comeback after her unexpected setbacks in China.

Iga Swiatek is already shaping her path for 2026 with the same precision and intent that define her forehand. With only the WTA Finals left on her 2025 calendar, the world No. 2 is already turning the page toward a fresh season. The reigning Wimbledon champion has confirmed her participation in the 2026 United Cup, set to take place from January 2–11, making Poland the first nation to commit to next year’s prestigious mixed-team event. Swiatek, who recently celebrated her 25th career singles title in Seoul, will once again lead Team Poland with her signature poise and fire.

“The United Cup is always amazing. It’s always an amazing experience and just an honour to represent your country and especially alongside such great players,” Swiatek said, her words echoing the pride and spirit that define her. With a 14-2 win-loss singles record at the event, she’s no stranger to its intensity and emotion. “I love being part of the team and have great memories of playing this event. This tournament is different. It brings more excitement than normal tournaments we play during the year.”

As she prepares to return Down Under, Swiatek’s excitement isn’t just about the competition; it’s about the people who make it special. “They’re the best because they’re literally everywhere,” she smiled. “In any country that we go, there are many Polish people and in Australia, there’s a big Polish community. I think they’re really committed and really believe in us, and that’s what’s most important.” Her words reflect the bond between athlete and fan that fuels her relentless pursuit of greatness.

For the fourth consecutive year, the United Cup will unite 18 countries, each featuring up to three men and three women, across Perth and Sydney. It’s an arena where national pride collides with world-class tennis, offering players not just glory but a share of AUD $17 million in prize money and up to 500 valuable ATP and WTA ranking points. 

The Polish team has come heartbreakingly close to the United Cup crown in recent editions. In 2025, they fell 2-0 in the final to Team USA, led by Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz. A year earlier, they held championship points in a deciding mixed doubles thriller before Germany edged them out 2-1. For Swiatek and her compatriots, 2026 is more than just another campaign; it’s a mission of redemption.

Tournament Director Stephen Farrow praised Poland’s early commitment: “We are delighted six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek and Hubi Hurkacz of Poland have committed early to the United Cup this summer. The United Cup holds a unique position in global tennis, with the world’s best men and women representing their country at the highest level. We’re extremely proud to be delivering the fourth edition of the tournament.”

Echoing the same enthusiasm, NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper added, “I’m thrilled Team Poland led by reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek has committed to the 2026 United Cup. This tournament is one of the most anticipated fixtures on the NSW summer sporting calendar, with the passion shown by the world’s best tennis players competing for their nation creating an incredible atmosphere for fans.”

Despite a few stumbles during the Asian swing, Swiatek’s commitment to her craft and her country remains unwavering. As the curtain rises on a new year of challenges, her dominance continues to stretch far beyond titles and trophies. It’s the story of a champion who keeps evolving, rewriting history with every swing of her racket.

Iga Swiatek secures her place on the power list

At the Wuhan Open, Iga Swiatek etched another golden chapter in her rising legacy, reaching a major milestone after overcoming Belinda Bencic in a thrilling battle. The Polish powerhouse clawed her way back from an early setback, sealing the win 7–6(2), 6–4 with her signature poise and precision.

After rallying through a tense first set, Swiatek found her rhythm in the tiebreak and never looked back. In the second, she broke Bencic’s serve and held firm, turning defense into art as she powered through to victory.

The triumph marked her 125th career WTA 1000-level win, propelling her into the quarterfinals, a stage she would ultimately fall short at, but not without leaving her mark.

What stood out even more was the record she shattered in the process. Swiatek became the third player in history to reach 25 WTA 1000 quarterfinals, and she did it faster than nearly anyone.

Reaching that milestone in just 41 tournaments, Swiatek joined an elite trio with Serena Williams (32 events) and Maria Sharapova (39) leading the pack. Her meteoric rise has been nothing short of historic.

Among those 41 appearances, her 2025 Cincinnati Open triumph remains her crown jewel, a moment that cemented her as the modern queen of WTA 1000s. 

As the WTA Finals loom, the question lingers: can Swiatek summon that same fire to conquer Sabalenka and defending champion Coco Gauff this time?