Iga Swiatek began her season with a thrilling comeback victory over Eva Lys at the United Cup.
The world number two took lost the first set to an inspired Lys, but she dug in to win the next two sets and secure the point for Poland.
Swiatek arrived at the United Cup with an incredible record and the Polish team were bolstered by a marvellous return from Hubert Hurkacz, who defeated Alexander Zverev in straight sets.
The Pole will be looking to dislodge Aryna Sabalenka as the world number one in 2026, and Greg Rusedski has revealed how he thinks she can do that.
Greg Rusedski shares the serving change Iga Swiatek should make
Rusedski was full of praise for Swiatek’s work throughout 2025, but did highlight several areas the world number two should address.
Speaking on Off-Court with Greg, Rusedski said: “Winning Wimbledon was huge for her last year, but I have a feeling she is aiming to win the French Open again.
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“(Losing at Roland Garros) was a major disappointment for her because she was trying to get records like Rafa (Nadal) in that tournament.
“The comparisons with her being the Rafa of the women’s game and dominating at Roland Garros for years to come, so losing to Sabalenka was so tough. Last year was a bounce back year for Iga.
“She had a lot to deal with the year previously, as the sleeping tablets she took were a little bit different and that’s why she had a difficult period for a month, but I expect her to bounce back well.”
Rusedski believes that Swiatek’s serve could do with some improvement, and he even revealed how he would implement that.
“With her serve, you need to get her tossing arm up a little bit higher. The elbow is almost too high at times and then she can’t get around the ball and slice it. That’s a little technical change she needs to do.
“It’s very difficult. Her forehand is one of the best in the business, but if you are going up against someone hitting the ball hard and you have that extreme grip, it can be difficult, but she is a phenomenal mover and that’s why she defends it so well with her athleticism.”
Swiatek will not play another tournament until the Australian Open after her stint at the United Cup, meaning she has a week off before the first Grand Slam of the year.
Iga Swiatek’s record in Australia is interesting
Swiatek arrives in Australia having only ever won one tournament in the country, which came at the Adelaide International in 2021.
The Pole defeated Belinda Bencic in the final to lift the WTA 500 tournament, but she is yet to reach another final Down Under.
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At the Australian Open, the star has only reached as far as the semi-finals. Swiatek reached that phase of the competition in 2022 and 2025.
Swiatek lost to Danielle Collins in straight sets in 2022 and she fell to eventual winner Madison Keys in three sets in 2025.
The star has appeared in the United Cup since its inception in Australia in 2023, but Poland are yet to win the event.
