Iga Swiatek issues word of caution to Coco Gauff-led Team USA after United Cup final defeat

Iga Swiatek shared her thoughts after Poland's loss to the Coco Gauff-led Team USA in the United Cup final. Despite the defeat, Swiatek applauded her team's efforts in reaching the final and acknowledged the challenges that come with competing in an event like the United Cup. She expressed deep gratitude to the support staff and her entire team for their unwavering dedication throughout the tournament.

In the inaugural edition, Poland showcased its strength by advancing to the semifinals before being eliminated by Team USA. Even in the third edition of the United Cup, the Poles reached their second consecutive final — an impressive achievement in itself.

While addressing her team and congratulating the opposition during the post-match presentation, Swiatek said:

“I wanted to thank the team, because as you could see on the bench, we had such an amazing atmosphere even though this event is exhausting, this is what makes it so special and amazing—having the support of you guys. Thank you for that. It gives us a lot of energy. Congrats to Team USA. Great job. Second time you’re winning against us (looks at Gauff, says this). Hopefully the last (chuckles), We’ll do our best. You guys are amazing athletes.”

This comments shed light on the challenges players face in a team event like the United Cup. Tennis, being an individual sport, demands an entirely different mindset when players must work as a team, requiring unity and cohesion —qualities Swiatek wholeheartedly praised in her squad.

While congratulating Team USA on its victory, she humorously emphasized Poland's determination to come back stronger and change their fortunes in the future.

Iga Swiatek has been a torchbearer for Polish tennis in recent years, and such words of encouragement from her would undoubtedly have lifted the spirits of the entire team. Team USA spearheaded by Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz just proved to be too strong in the final.

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Iga Swiatek clears the air on the injury scare

Iga Swiatek at a Press Conference - Source: Getty

During the press conference following the final loss, reporters questioned Iga Swiatek about her medical timeouts and the taping on her leg — one during the Sydney quarterfinals and another in the final against Gauff. She explained that it was merely the result of a heavy workload and nothing serious.

"Well, taping wasn't a different leg, but nothing happened really. Like, I was just tired. You know, the volume at the beginning of the tournament especially has been pretty big, so yeah, but honestly, like, this really, it's all good," Iga Swiatek said.

She acknowledged that she couldn’t give her 100% on the court against Gauff, taking nothing away from her. Despite this, Swiatek expressed satisfaction with the tournament, noting that some of the aspects she had been focusing on in practice translated well into her game. Looking ahead, she emphasized that the Australian Open is a fresh challenge.

"For sure today I wasn't able to give 100%. Coco also played amazing, you know, and she's for sure improving. But overall I'm really happy with the week. I feel like things I worked on really improved. But on the other hand, like, you know, this week, Australian Open is a different story, so still I'm gonna do everything step by step and continue the work that I have been doing."

The former World No. 1, has yet to fully showcase her immense potential at the Australian Open. Despite competing in six editions of the tournament, her best result came in 2022, when she reached the semifinals. This year, Swiatek is determined to change that and capture her maiden Australian Open title.