Iga Swiatek and Poland commit to tournament
Iga Swiatek, who won six grand slam singles titles, has signed to start the 2026 season in Australia, making Poland the first country to take part in the United Cup.
The 2025 Wimbledon champions will be making their fourth appearance at the tournament since its inception in 2022, but have yet to lift the trophy after Poland finished runners-up twice, including in 2025.
2025 Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek.Credit: access point
The tournament has previously attracted the attention of other grand slam champions such as Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz, as well as American Coco Gauff, who won the tournament in 2025, and players were keen to start the season in a team environment.
“The United Cup is always amazing. It’s always a great experience and an honor to represent your country, especially alongside such great players,” said Swiatek.
“I love being a part of the team and have great memories playing in this event. This tournament is different. It brings more excitement than the regular tournaments we play during the year.”
Swiatek will be joined by former world No. 6 Hubert Hurkacz, the duo who have previously drawn large crowds to the tournament.
Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek shake hands after Gauff wins for Team USA.Credit: Getty Images
“They are the best because they are literally everywhere,” Swiatek said of Polish fans. “There are lots of Poles in every country we go to, and there’s a big Polish community in Australia too. I think they’re really dedicated and they really believe in us, that’s the most important thing.”
The United Cup will be held in Sydney and Perth from January 2-11 and will cover 18 countries with donations of more than $17 million.
