Iga Swiatek shares the reason behind her last loss to Coco Gauff after reaching Australian Open 4R: "I couldn't really move much”

After advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open, Iga Swiatek opened up about her loss to Coco Gauff in the United Cup final. Both players are currently competing in Melbourne.

Swiatek began her 2025 season at the United Cup in Australia, which was held from December 27 to January 5, 2025. She led Team Poland to the final with an impressive run, claiming four consecutive victories over Malene Helgo, Karolina Muchova, Katie Boulter, and Elena Rybakina.

On Sunday, January 5, the Pole took on American Coco Gauff in the United Cup final. Unfortunately, the World No. 2 couldn’t overcome the challenge, falling to the World No. 3 in straight sets. Gauff secured a 6-4, 6-4 victory, giving Team USA an early lead in their quest for the title.

Later that day, another representative of Team USA, Taylor Fritz, secured a thrilling victory over Hubert Hurkacz with 6-4, 5-7, 7-6(4). His win was crucial in helping Team USA clinch their second United Cup trophy, building on their inaugural triumph against Italy in 2023.

On Saturday, January 18, Iga Swiatek took on Emma Raducanu in the third round of the Australian Open. The match, held at Rod Laver Arena, lasted just 70 minutes, with Swiatek dominating from start to finish. She defeated Raducanu in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0.

During a post-match press conference, the Pole was asked if her form against Raducanu could have helped her defeat Gauff in the United Cup final. She explained that she couldn’t deliver her best performance, admitting:

“I couldn't give 100% on that match with Coco, obviously. Like, she earned it, and she played also really nice and pretty aggressive and everything, but, you know, at the end, like, I couldn't really move much because everything hurt me.”

Swiatek mentioned that she would definitely face the American again once she's physically fit.

“So, for sure, I would like to play, like, again with Coco when I'm more, like, you know, fit and ready to run and everything because, with Coco, you need to physically be ready. She's running a lot as well, so the rallies can be long,” she added.

Iga Swiatek will face Eva Lys while Coco Gauff will take on Belinda Bencic in Australian Open 4R

Iga Swiatek at 2025 Australian Open - Day 5 - Source: Getty

Iga Swiatek is set to take on Germany’s Eva Lys in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Sunday, January 19. They have faced each other before on the WTA Tour, with their last meeting taking place at Stuttgart in 2022, where the Pole secured a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory.

Meanwhile, Coco Gauff will go up against Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic in her round-four match at Rod Laver Arena on the same day.

After her dominant run in this tournament, Swiatek will find it easy to cruise through the tournament. Her fans will expect the Pole to grab her first Melbourne Major.