After a few challenging matches at the United Cup, Iga Swiatek has given fans a reassuring update regarding her health and form for the Australian Open.

“Everything is fine,” she assured in Team Poland's press conference. “Just super sore. I guess first tournament of the year, it costs the body a bit differently than during the season… I’ll just get good recovery, couple days off. Also, I know these team events… they really take a lot of energy from you.”

Swiatek, who was part of the team champions last year, lost to Swiss world no. 10 Belinda Bencic 6-3, 0-6, 3-6 in the opening final. She lost seven consecutive games and 10 of the next 11 after winning the first set.

She thus clarified that while it was "all good," she was not the best version of herself in the second set. This, according to her, was noted by her opponent, but Iga has learned her lesson and looks forward: "For sure, I’ll try to get that covered for Australian Open, and we’ll see.”

Commentator and former world No. 9 Andrea Petkovic noted that Swiatek’s movement “did not look to be at its sharpest” when sliding into the corners. This was also evident in the singles semifinal loss to Coco Gauff (4-6, 2-6).

Swiatek heads to Melbourne with a chip on her shoulder

The 6 time Grand Slam winner has yet to clinch a title in Australia. But former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski believes her 2026 focus will remain on clay courts for the 2026 season.

“Winning Wimbledon was huge for her last year, but I have a feeling she is aiming to win the French Open again,” Rusedski said in his podcast Off Court with Greg.

“(Losing at Roland Garros) was a major disappointment for her because she was trying to get records like Rafa [Nadal].”

However, the world no 2 is focused on learning from her mistakes before heading to Melbourne. “For sure, these are good matches to analyse against really top players,” she said.

“Still not a lot of time for that if I also want to have some recovery days. This is how tennis is. You got to go with the flow. We’ll see,” Swiatek concluded.

What is your take on the whole? Would you be rooting for her or against?

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Joyita Das