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Match Details
Fixture: (POL) Iga Swiatek vs (CZE) Karolina Muchova
Date: January 1, 2025
Tournament: United Cup 2025
Round: Group Stage
Venue: Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney, Australia
Category: United Cup
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize Money: US$11,170,000
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN, RDS
Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Muchova preview
Poland's Iga Swiatek will face Czechia's Karolina Muchova in the group stage of the United Cup 2025.
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Swiatek had another solid season in 2024, winning four WTA 1000 titles and her fifth Major title at the French Open. While she finished the season ranked No. 2, she had the best win-loss record for the year compared to her peers, with a 64-9 record.
Swiatek commenced her United Cup campaign with a 6-1, 6-0 beatdown of Norway's Malene Helgo. Hubert Hurkacz lost his singles tie, which led to the five-time Major champion stepping in for the mixed doubles rubber. She teamed up with Jan Zielinski to beat Casper Ruud and Ulrikke Eikeri 6-3, 0-6, 10-8 and seal the tie 2-1 in Poland's favor.
Following an injury hiatus, Muchova returned to the tour in the second half of 2024. She was quick to taste success, with a semifinal showing at the US Open and a runner-up finish at the China Open being her best results. She finished the year with a 21-7 record and ranked 22nd.
Muchova also began her United Cup journey this year against Helgo and beat her 6-2, 6-2. Her compatriot Tomas Machac lost his singles match but she teamed up with him to clinch the decisive mixed doubles rubber, and they won their tie against Norway with a score of 2-1.
Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Muchova head-to-head
Swiatek leads Muchova 2-1 in the head-to-head. The Pole won their previous encounter at last year's Canadian Open in three sets.
Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Muchova odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Muchova prediction
Both players made light work of Helgo in their United Cup openers. However, both were expected to cruise against a player ranked outside the top 400. The real test for them will be against each other judging by their past encounters. All three of their previous matches have gone the distance.
Muchova was the first to notch up a win in this rivalry and beat Swiatek to emerge victorious at the Prague Open 2019. Their next meeting was their most high-profile showdown, with the French Open 2023 title on the line.
Swiatek rallied from a break down twice in the third set to win the title. They met a few months later at the Canadian Open, and she fought past Muchova in three sets yet again. The Czech's all-court game has put the Pole in the spot of bother throughout their rivalry.
However, Swiatek has risen to the occasion to outwit Muchova. This is likely to be another riveting contest between them, though the five-time Major champion will be favored to be the last woman standing once again.
Pick: Iga Swiatek to win in three sets.
