Iga Swiatek cherishes ‘challenge’ against Elena Rybakina at the United Cup before the Australian Open

Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina will hope to propel their respective countries into the final of the United Cup.

Iga Swiatek cherishes ‘challenge’ against Elena Rybakina at the United Cup before the Australian Open

Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek (via Imago)

Reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek has shared her thoughts on the upcoming clash with Elena Rybakina from Kazakhstan. The two are set to face off on Saturday to determine the finalist of the United Cup.

Swiatek is teaming up with two-time Masters 1000 champion Hubert Hurkacz to represent Poland. Poland is one of 18 countries competing in this event.

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Honestly I’m happy, because it’s a nice challenge, especially before a Grand Slam. Elena likes playing in Australia, so for sure it’s going to be a challenge. I think these two matches that I played will help me, because I know what I need to do after playing these two matches, and kind of I got through some tough moments. So it’s not going to be so new, like, on the next one. But yeah, honestly I didn’t know who I’m even going to play, so obviously I can’t say, like, more, because we’re going to prepare probably tomorrow in the evening.

Iga Swiatek said in his post-match press conference at the United Cup

Poland had a great day on Thursday (January 2) as Swiatek defeated Katie Boulter in three high-quality sets, 6-7, 6-1, 6-4. Meanwhile, Hurkacz secured a win over Billy Harris, 7-6, 7-5, to confirm Poland’s place in the semifinals.

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However, Swiatek’s match against Rybakina will be a different challenge. The two have faced each other six times on the WTA tour, with Swiatek holding a 4-2 lead in their head-to-head record. Their most recent meeting was in Stuttgart, where the 2022 Wimbledon champion won in three sets.

Iga Swiatek improves United Cup record

Iga Swiatek had a strong start to 2025, beating Katie Boulter to help Poland reach the United Cup semi-finals. The world No. 2 won 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4 in a close match that lasted two hours and 56 minutes. Boulter fought hard, taking the first set in a tiebreak after Swiatek had led 4-1.

Iga Swiatek United Cup 2025
Iga Swiatek (image via Youtube)

Swiatek bounced back in the second set, breaking Boulter three times to level the match. The final set was tense. Swiatek lost her serve early but recovered quickly. A medical timeout helped her refocus, and she saved a crucial break point at 4-4 with a brilliant backhand.

In the end, Swiatek broke Boulter’s serve to love, sealing the win for Poland. This victory gave her team a 2-0 lead over Great Britain in the quarter-finals. Earlier, Hubert Hurkacz had won the opening match against Billy Harris. Poland now faces Kazakhstan, led by Elena Rybakina, in the semi-finals.

Swiatek remains unbeaten in 2025 with three singles wins and two doubles victories in the tournament. She holds the record for the most singles wins at the United Cup since its launch in 2023. Her winning streak now stands at eight matches in this event.