Laura Robson and Andrea Petkovic were left in awe after they witnessed a thrilling encounter at the United Cup.
The pair watched Great Britain take on Poland in the quarter-finals, with a chance to join the United States in the last four.
After Hubert Hurkacz defeated Billy Harris, Katie Boulter needed to beat Iga Swiatek to keep her country’s chances of progressing alive.
But getting a win over the five-time Grand Slam champion is never easy, but the British number one gave it her all in a pulsating three-hour contest.
Laura Robson and Andraa Petkovic deceived a United Cup contest as a Match of the year contender
Laura Robson and Andrea Petkovic and those inside Sydney’s Ken Rosewall arena were treated to a classic when Boulter played against Swiatek at the United Cup.
Both players left it all on the line and showed why they are the top ranked players from their respective countries.
Boulter rallied from 1-4 down in the first set to take it on a tiebreak, before Swiatek came roaring back to win set two for the loss of just one game.
The deciding set was a tight one as Boulter saved two break points while serving down 4-3, but Swiatek broke through in her opponent’s next service game, as he claimed a 6-7(4) 6-1, 6-4.
Commentators were full of praise for the contest they had witnessed and described it as an early match of the year contender.
Petkovic said: “This was one of the best – this should be a joke – but this was one of the best matches of the year” while Robson added: “It’s only day two of 2025 but that might just be one of the best matches you’ll play all year.”
What did Iga Swiatek say after beating Katie Boulter at the United Cup?
Swiatek maintained her unbeaten record at the 2025 United Cup with her win over Boulter.
The victory gave Poland an unassailable 2-0 lead over Great Britain to move into the semi-finals of the team tournament.
“This match was crazy,” the French Open winner said post-match. “So many changes of momentum. I thought I had it under control in the first set but for sure I got tight and I didn’t work on it.
“But then I didn’t want to repeat the same mistake in the third. I took like four pain killers. I am happy we won. I am going to use the day off tomorrow.”
Poland are aiming to go one better in 2025 after reaching the final of the United Cup in 2024 losing to Germany.
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