Elena Rybakina makes her frustrations clear with United Cup format after SF exit

The 2025 season has come with some disappointing news for Elena Rybakina. With collective efforts from her, Alexander Shevchenko, and others, Team Kazakhstan made it to the semifinals but couldn't stand tall in their battle against Team Poland. After facing a defeat against Iga Swiatek in the singles showdown, the Kazakh couldn't help but highlight the flaws in the United Cup's unique format.

During a high-stakes battle at the United Cup semifinals, Swiatek took down Rybakina in straight sets. With this win, Poland will now look to face the successor of either Team USA or the Czech Republic.

In a press conference after her defeat against Swiatek, Rybakina highlighted the demanding schedule at the United Cup 2025.

"Well, I would say the same. Of course it's not easy to fly. It was, like, four-and-a-half, five hours' flight, and then you have only day and a half basically to prepare, to adjust. Of course it's not enough," she said.

Along with highlighting the hefty impact of her packed week, the WTA star requested a stable on-ground event with a reduced need for traveling.

"Other teams, they have the same, but we also starting at 10:00. I would agree that ideally if we would play everybody in one place, it will be much better for everyone," she added.

Elena Rybakina played almost all of her matches in Perth. However, after making it to the semifinals, the WTA star had to fly to Sydney for the match against Iga Swiatek. Team Poland, on the contrary, held their ground in Sydney right from the start. Besides this, another positive element for Team Poland would be the fact that the United Cup 2025 finals will also take place in Sydney.

Iga Swiatek's fight against self-doubt and Elena Rybakina

Iga Swiatek's massive win over Elena Rybakina, although it seemed dominant, didn't come easy. During her on-court interview at the United Cup venue, the WTA star mentioned how the match was a complete test of her body and physical potential.

"I for sure did not start well and had the handbrake on a bit. I knew I had to do something and change the momentum," she said, marking the breakthrough moment in her semifinal showdown.

Swiatek also recounted all of her previous showdowns against the Kazakh to gather how it could be difficult.

“I told myself I am not going to miss any more. For sure it was tough, it’s always tough against Elena," she added.

Led by Coco Gauff, Team USA will now be facing the Czech Republic in the semifinals.