"Iga Swiatek's never winning Australian Open"; "How many times the same mistake?" - Fans dismayed as Pole signs up for United Cup 2025

2024 French Open - Day 10 - Source: Getty
Iga Swiatek will represent Poland at the 2025 United Cup 2025 | Getty

Many tennis fans shared their disappointment at Iga Swiatek signing up to represent Poland at the 2025 United Cup just before the Australian Open. As the tennis season comes close to its conclusion, players are looking ahead to next season, and the World No. 1 has made some plans. Swiatek had finished as the runner-up at the United Cup this year after Poland lost to Germany in the final.

Swiatek has had a remarkable season this year, winning five titles thus far. She emerged victorious at the Qatar Open, the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, the Madrid Open, the Italian Open, and the French Open.

Despite withdrawing from the Korea Open, the China Open, and the Wuhan Open this month, the Pole's brilliant performances this season have helped her secure a spot at the 2024 WTA Finals which will be played in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Iga Swiatek will defend her title at the WTA Finals, competing alongside players like Aryna Sabalenka, Jasmine Paolini, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Elena Rybakina.

It was reported this week that Swiatek has signed up to represent Poland at the 2025 United Cup which is scheduled to take place from 27 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 in Perth and Sydney, concluding just before the start of the Australian Open.

Some tennis fans seemed unhappy with the news of the World No.1 signing up to compete at the United Cup just ahead of the Melbourne Major. They took to social media to share their opinions.

One fan suggested that Swiatek's participation in the team event might hinder her chances of winning the Australian Open.

"She’s never winning ao 💔 ," a fan posted.

Another fan opined that choosing the United Cup over the Brisbane International was a "mistake" on the Pole's part.

"Iga again is making the same mistake , to play United Cup instead Brisbane . Again DRAMA if Poland doesnt win the cup and again her mood ruined facing AO. How many times the same mistake ? United Cup is a minor competition meaning proffesional tennis," the fan wrote.

Many other fans also expressed concerns about the World No.1 player participating in the United Cup ahead of the Australian Open.

"Can someone tell iga that poland will be fine if she doesn’t play united cup 😔 ," a fan posted.
"Omg bad news, after what happened last year, I want that she will never play it again," a fan wrote.

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Some fans speculated that if Iga Swiatek chooses to compete in the United Cup, she may struggle at the Australian Open.

"As much as she loves playing for poland, this has proven not to be a good move... we're not winning AO next year 😭 (or deep run at least)," a fan posted
"Arggggggg a new R2 loss at a slam incoming," a fan wrote.
"NOOOOOO?!??? WHYYY 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 ," a fan posted.


When Iga Swiatek reached the semifinals at the 2022 Australian Open

Iga Swiatek at the 2024 Australian Open [Image Source: Getty Images]
Iga Swiatek at the 2024 Australian Open [Image Source: Getty Images]

Iga Swiatek's best performance at the Australian Open came in 2022 when she reached the semifinals.

The Pole was seeded seventh in the tournament and kicked off her campaign with a dominant victory over qualifier Harriet Dart, triumphing 6-3, 6-0 in the first round. She then overcame Rebecca Peterson with a score of 6-2, 6-2 in the second round.

Swiatek overcame 25th seed Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-3 and then battled past Sorana Cirstea 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 in the third and fourth rounds, respectively.

In the quarterfinals, the Pole emerged victorious against Kaia Kanepi 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-3 to secure her spot in the semifinals. However, her campaign came to an end in the final four when she faced eventual runner-up, 27th seed Danielle Collins, and was defeated 6-4, 6-1.