Iga Swiatek is hoping to start the new season by winning the United Cup with Poland but acknowledges that she expects another “tough battle” against Karolina Muchova.
In Group B, Poland will be battling against the Czech Republic and Norway.
On December 30th, the Polish team faces Norway and the five-time Grand Slam champion will start her 2025 season by clashing against 404th-ranked Malene Helgo.
Two days later, the Poles will take on the Czech Republic and that tie will feature the rematch of the 2023 French Open final between Swiatek and Muchova.
So far, they have met three times and all of those three matches went distance – the Czech won their first meeting in 2019 Prague before the Pole won their two clashes in 2023 at the French Open and Montreal.
Iga Swiatek and Karolina Muchova© YouTube screenshot
Swiatek: It’s always tough battles against Muchova
“It’s the first tournament of the year so you never know what kind of tennis you will bring. You have to spend a couple of days feeling out how you’re going to feel on the court,” the 23-year-old told Tennis Australia.
“I think they’re both going to be tough matches, especially the one against the Czech Republic. With Karolina Muchova I’ve always played pretty good battles, three setters usually. So it’s going to be pretty exciting. But for how I’m just going step-by-step and focusing on the first battles here.”
Last season, Poland fell just short of winning the United Cup after missing out on two match points in the final against Germany.
In the same interview, Swiatek underlined that she is hoping her nation can at least give themselves a shot at winning the event this year.
With the four-time French Open champion and Hubert Hurkacz, the Poles are definitely one of the top favorites for the title.
For Swiatek, having a triumphant United Cup run would be the best possible preparation for the Australian Open.
Tennis World USA