Iga Swiatek clinched her first win of the 2026 season in a three-set thriller against Eva Lys at the United Cup.
Following Hubert Hurkacz‘s win against Alexander Zverev earlier in the day, Swiatek sealed Poland’s victory in the tie over Germany by coming back from a set down to beat Lys 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
The Pole was tested in the match and was staring down the barrel of a defeat when going 3-1 down in the second set, but she fought her way back into the contest.
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Swiatek was jubilant after the deciding win, and had high praise for her opponent, as well as her compatriot, Hurkacz.
Iga Swiatek’s reaction to winning her first match of the season
“It was tough,” said Swiatek, analysing the match with Lys in her on-court interview.
“I feel like she was really going for it, especially in the first set. These down-the-lines were pretty amazing.
“So, yeah, not easy opponent on the first match of the season, but I’m happy that we won, and we had 2-0 in singles because for sure it means a lot.
“Big round of applause for Hubi [Hurkacz] after not playing for seven months he came out today and was pretty fearless, so yeah it was a really positive day; not the easiest one, but I’m happy that I could go through some challenges and work through them on the court.”
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When asked how she turned the match around, Swiatek replied: “Well, I just tried to have a bit more energy, and I knew I was playing a bit too short, even though I was playing full.
“She used my power and played kind of faster than me, so I knew that’s not right, and I should change something up, so yeah, I just tried to play with more of my spin and let the ball bounce a little bit higher, and then when I felt more comfortable, I felt like I could speed up.”
Iga Swiatek said she hopes to play in Sydney every year
Discussing her return to Sydney, where the United Cup is held, Swiatek said: “Honestly, guys, I love being here.
“I honestly could live here. I love Sydney. I wasn’t sure, but I think it’s becoming my favourite city in the whole world.
“I hope that every year we’ll be able to come back here, you know, you never know, we can also play in Perth, but I really love it here, so I hope we’ll be here every year.”
Swiatek’s next match at the United Cup will be against Suzan Lamens in Poland’s tie with the Netherlands.
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