Iga Swiatek was comprehensively beaten by Coco Gauff in Poland’s semi-final with the United States at the United Cup.
Gauff dominated much of the match and ran out a 6-4, 6-2 winner to keep the tie alive for the United States following Taylor Fritz’s defeat to Hubert Hurkacz in the opening match.
Swiatek had not lost in singles action at the tournament until her match with Gauff, but she was outplayed by the American who has now beaten her four times in a row.
The world number two took to social media to share her thoughts on her very first defeat of the season.
Iga Swiatek shares her thoughts after Coco Gauff defeat
Swiatek might have lost, but Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zieliński managed to defeat Gauff and Christian Harrison to confirm Poland’s place in the final.
Poland will play Switzerland in the United Cup final, where Swiatek is expected to play Belinda Bencic in a singles match.
Swiatek took to Instagram to share her mixed feelings after suffering a loss but still reaching the finals with Poland.
She said: “Challenging day for me today but some important lessons to be learned. I’m super grateful for my team and their passion.”
The world number two then praised her teammates for continuing Poland’s journey, adding: “What a fight tonight! See you in the final tomorrow with another chance.”
Swiatek had beaten Eva Lys, Maya Joint, and Suzan Lamens in singles action before her semi-final loss to Gauff.
What Iga Swiatek is expected to do before the Australian Open
There is a week’s gap between the end of the United Cup and the opening day of the Australian Open, but Swiatek will not play another tournament in between.
Several stars are readying themselves for the Adelaide International, or the Hobart International, but the world number two has decided to continue her preparations behind closed doors.
Swiatek has been critical of the WTA Tour schedule in the past, particularly the number of mandatory tournaments players are expected to play.
She said she would be happy to take a sanction in order to miss tournaments, so perhaps it is not a surprise that she will not play an event before the Australian Open.
Swiatek has a comparatively poor record at the Australian Open, compared to her performances in the other three Grand Slams.
The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam she is yet to win and she’s only ever reached as far as the semi-final stage.
Swiatek was beaten by eventual winner Madison Keys during her last stint in the final four, which came in 2025.
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