Iga Swiatek picked up her second defeat of the United Cup as she lost to Belinda Bencic in the final in Sydney.
Swiatek had previously lost to Coco Gauff in the semi-finals in straight sets, but Poland still managed to reach the final of the United Cup.
The Polish star suffered the same fate against Belinda Bencic, but a win for Hubert Hurkacz and a mixed doubles trophy earned the title for Poland.
Swiatek’s record at the United Cup has meant the world number two heads to the Australian Open in a situation she has never previously experienced.
Iga Swiatek’s poor record ahead of the Australian Open
Until this season, Swiatek had never suffered more than one loss before she arrived at the Australian Open.
In the eight seasons the world number two has been on the WTA Tour, she has lost just one match before the Australian Open on five occasions.
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Credit: Sofascore
Additionally, in 2021 and 2025, Swiatek did not lose a single match before the first Grand Slam of the year.
Her two losses, to Gauff and Bencic back-to-back at the United Cup, has seen Swiatek break new ground in her career, but for the wrong reasons.
However, Swiatek is yet to win the Australian Open so her form heading into the competition has never helped her.
The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam that Swiatek is yet to win, and she has only ever reached as far as the semi-finals.
The star reached the final four in 2022 and 2025, but her journey was ended by Danielle Collins and Madison Keys respectively.
Iga Swiatek reacts to Poland’s landmark United Cup win
Swiatek has played at every United Cup for Poland, which included a heartbreaking final defeat to the United States in 2025.
Despite Swiatek’s loss in the final, Poland were able to re-group to defeat Switzerland and finally lift the trophy.
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Taking to Instagram, Swiatek shared a message to the Polish squad after they confirmed the victory over Switzerland.
She wrote: “WHATTT? Kasia, Janek, Hubi and the rest of our amazing team…thank you. I’m so proud.”
Swiatek will not play a tournament now before the Australian Open, which is set to begin on 19 January.
