Overview
- Iga Swiatek fell to Belinda Bencic 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 in the Sydney final after a 6-4, 6-2 semi-final loss to Coco Gauff, a rare run of consecutive defeats for the world No. 2.
- She said there is no injury, calling herself “super sore,” and plans a brief recovery period after noting the energy demands of team events.
- Poland secured the United Cup 2-1, with Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski winning the deciding mixed doubles after Hubert Hurkacz beat Stan Wawrinka.
- Swiatek’s 36 unforced errors to Bencic’s 10 underscored technical and physical sharpness she says she will address before the Australian Open begins on Jan. 18.
- The Australian Open remains the only missing major on Swiatek’s resume, and she says she is focusing on development rather than setting specific results goals.