“Nothing crazy happened”: Iga Swiatek reflects after 7-game collapse vs Bencic and consecutive losses
WTA
Team Poland celebrated the United Cup title this Sunday after coming back from a set down in the deciding tie — following Iga Swiatek's surprising defeat at the hands of Belinda Bencic. Poland’s greatest player in history lost her opening match, but her team responded admirably, turning the tie around — just as they had against the USA — to secure the trophy after finishing runners-up in 2024 and 2025.
Hubert Hurkacz, returning to competition after seven months, was a key figure throughout the tournament. He claimed four wins — including two against top-10 players — and only fell to Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals. Hurkacz was a set down this Sunday against Stan Wawrinka but turned the match around to lead Poland to victory.
“Honestly, I’m kind of speechless. It’s really incredible — obviously on a personal level, but also a massive day for Poland and for Polish tennis,” Hurkacz said during press conference. “It’s something really unique and amazing. We showed how strong we are as a tennis country, and winning this trophy is incredible.”
“As you mentioned, we came very close twice before, and now it just feels amazing,” added the former world No. 6. “I’m so grateful to the whole team — everyone supporting each other, being together, enjoying the competition.”
The mixed doubles crown went to Jan Zielinski and Katarzyna Kawa, who displayed excellent partnership throughout the tournament. For the fifth time, they triumphed over the duo of Bencic and Paul, who had been undefeated in mixed doubles prior to this final.
Swiatek's opening defeat was a shock for the Polish team, who had relied on the world No. 2 as their main weapon in recent United Cup editions — a nearly guaranteed point in previous finals. The four-time Roland Garros champion took the first set but lost momentum, and Bencic staged a remarkable comeback, including a bagel and seven consecutive games, eventually winning 3-6, 6-0, 6-3.
Swiatek's drop in form raised questions about whether it was physical or mental. “Nothing crazy happened. It was a mix of me losing intensity and not feeling as sharp with my movement and legs. I wasn’t as precise physically anymore,” the six-time Grand Slam champion explained. “Belinda is a really aggressive player when she gets in the zone. She can hit amazing shots and take a lot of risks. So it was a mix of that, and credit to her for being brave and playing well.”
The world No. 2 will now turn her focus to the Australian Open, taking lessons from consecutive defeats to Coco Gauff and Bencic — two players who always aim for the final rounds at the majors.
“These were good matches to analyse, especially against top players. Belinda likes to play on fast surfaces, so it was a good test,” Swiatek added. “We’re going to work on the elements that didn’t work this week. There isn’t much time if I also want to recover, but that’s tennis — we have to go with the flow.”
The 24-year-old will be looking to win her seventh Grand Slam at Melbourne and complete the Career Grand Slam — adding to her trophies at the French Open (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024), US Open (2022), and Wimbledon (2025). She only needs the Australian Open to become the sixth player in the Open Era to win all four majors over a career — after Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, and Maria Sharapova.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
