Iga Swiatek congratulates Eva Lys after their thrilling match at the United Cup

Follow us on Google Discover

Iga Swiatek won her first match of the 2026 season in a thrilling encounter with Eva Lys at the United Cup.

Following Hubert Hurkacz’s victory over Alexander Zverev, Swiatek confirmed Poland’s victory over Germany at the international hard court event.

The six-time major champion was on the verge of a loss after going a set and 3-1 down, but she fought back to seal the win.

Swiatek had high praise for her opponent in her post-match press conference, and claimed Lys played a shot that she ‘wouldn’t expect anyone’ to do.

Iga Swiatek reacts to her victory over Eva Lys at the United Cup

Analysing the match, Swiatek said: “Well, I did enjoy the first set, because I knew I had work to do. I just focused on that.

“Later on, I would say throughout the whole match, it was kind of clear for me what was happening. I wasn’t, like, so in my emotions to not see, you know, how it looked like.

“I know she went for it. She played some amazing down-the-lines in the first set. Like from balls I wouldn’t expect anyone to play down the line. It went in. Good for her. Congrats. But I knew I had work to do, so I just tried to change some stuff in the second set.

“I would say I enjoyed it, because I had [the] opportunity to work in these tough moments. It wasn’t the easiest.

“Obviously, it’s easy to win with a nice, easy score, but you also need to appreciate competing. So I was ready to compete, and even though the tennis wasn’t perfect from my side, I made some unforced serves as well, I just tried to compete, and I’m happy that I did that.”

Iga Swiatek’s next opponent at the United Cup

Poland’s next tie at the United Cup will be against the Netherlands, with Swiatek set to face Suzan Lamens.

Swiatek and Lamens have met just once before at a WTA Tour event, having clashed at the 2025 US Open.

There, the Pole took the first set comfortably, 6-1, but Lamens forced a decider by claiming the second 6-4.

Swiatek ultimately emerged victorious in that match, but the Dutch player will now have the chance to earn revenge in Australia.