Iga Swiatek is hoping to start out the brand new season by profitable the United Cup with Poland however acknowledges that she expects one other “powerful battle” in opposition to Karolina Muchova.
In Group B, Poland will likely be battling in opposition to the Czech Republic and Norway.
On December thirtieth, the Polish staff faces Norway and the five-time Grand Slam champion will begin her 2025 season by clashing in opposition to 404th-ranked Malene Helgo.
Two days later, the Poles will tackle the Czech Republic and that tie will characteristic the rematch of the 2023 French Open ultimate between Swiatek and Muchova.
To date, they’ve met thrice and all of these three matches went distance – the Czech received their first assembly in 2019 Prague earlier than the Pole received their two clashes in 2023 on the French Open and Montreal.
Swiatek: It is at all times powerful battles in opposition to Muchova
“It is the primary match of the 12 months so that you by no means know what sort of tennis you’ll convey. It’s a must to spend a few days feeling out how you are going to really feel on the courtroom,” the 23-year-old informed Tennis Australia.
“I feel they’re each going to be powerful matches, particularly the one in opposition to the Czech Republic. With Karolina Muchova I’ve at all times performed fairly good battles, three setters normally. So it should be fairly thrilling. However for a way I am simply going step-by-step and specializing in the primary battles right here.”
Final season, Poland fell simply wanting profitable the United Cup after lacking out on two match factors within the ultimate in opposition to Germany.
In the identical interview, Swiatek underlined that she is hoping her nation can a minimum of give themselves a shot at profitable the occasion this 12 months.
With the four-time French Open champion and Hubert Hurkacz, the Poles are positively one of many high favorites for the title.
For Swiatek, having a triumphant United Cup run could be the very best preparation for the Australian Open.