Poland Claims United Cup Title, But Iga Swiatek’s Fitness Concerns Linger
SYDNEY — Poland’s triumphant victory over Switzerland in the United Cup final has been somewhat overshadowed by concerns over the fitness and form of their star player, Iga Swiatek. On January 11, 2026, at 04:49 PM ET, Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski secured Poland’s maiden title with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul in the deciding mixed doubles rubber.
The Swiss team’s defeat denied Bencic a perfect 10 out of 10 for the tournament, after she had upset an ailing Swiatek 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 for a fifth consecutive singles win, in addition to four doubles successes with Paul. Bencic’s impressive performance earned her the tournament MVP award, and her Tokyo Olympics gold medal further solidified her reputation as a top player.
A Concerning Performance from Iga Swiatek
Hubert Hurkacz levelled the tie at one rubber apiece with a pulsating 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Switzerland’s inspired playing captain Stan Wawrinka. The 40-year-old triple Grand Slam winner whipped fans into a frenzy and gestured love-heart signs to the delirious crowd after dragging his 16th-seeded Swiss underdogs to within a set of improbable Cup glory at the $17 million mixed showpiece.
Wawrinka wowed spectators with still-the-sweetest one-handed backhand in tennis as Hurkacz threatened to unravel under the crushing pressure of trying to keep the Poles in the tie. However, the retiring champion wilted after nabbing the second set as Poland stormed to a first United Cup crown after losing back-to-back finals in 2024 and 2025.
Meanwhile, Swiatek’s health and game have come under intense scrutiny after a series of mysterious meltdowns and lacklustre showings in Sydney. In a worrying development just a week out from the Australian Open, the world No. 2 left the court for treatment after suffering a rare bagel in her deflating loss to Bencic. Swiatek was in a state of complete despair by the end, tossing her racquet across the court and bursting into tears following her second straight defeat at the event.
While world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka underlined her Open favouritism with a third successive Brisbane International crown on Sunday, Swiatek — the Belarusian’s closest pursuer in the rankings — also endured a straight-sets loss to world No.4 Coco Gauff on Saturday night. The six-time Grand Slam winner was also seen crying at the first changeover during her victory over Australian Maya Joint on Friday night.
Swiatek Downplays Concerns
Ecstatic with Poland’s victory, Swiatek played down any issues, stating, “Everything is fine. Just super sore. First tournament of the year, it causes the body (to feel) a bit different. Differently than during the season.” She also mentioned that she had similar experiences last year and plans to focus on recovery and finding a better balance for team events, which she loves but acknowledges take a lot of energy.
Despite Swiatek’s reassurances, the state of her health and game will be among the major talking points in the countdown to the season’s first major starting next Sunday at Melbourne Park. After snaring the third leg of a fabled career Grand Slam with a famous 6-0, 6-0 Wimbledon final triumph last July, all eyes will be on the 24-year-old as she prepares to face the challenges of the Australian Open.
