Iga Swiatek has endured a tumultuous year on the WTA Tour.
The Polish superstar struggled to start the year, losing to a variety of lower-ranked opponents at significant WTA events.
After losing to Magda Linette in Miami, Swiatek decided enough was enough and parted ways with coach Wim Fissette. Swiatek hired Francisco Roig as Fissette’s replacement in early April.
The six-time major champion enjoyed some success during the summer months, winning the Canadian Open and reaching the Cincinnati Open semi-finals.
Swiatek’s struggles returned in the Autumn as she lost to the likes of Elise Mertens and Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng.
Swiatek’s season fell to another low in October as she failed to qualify for the WTA Finals for the first time since 2020.
The Pole has now made an important decision – one that could jumpstart her 2027 campaign.
Iga Swiatek will not compete in the United Cup
Swiatek has enjoyed great success at the United Cup in the past.
Swiatek has reached the final with Poland in each of the past three editions of the tournament, winning the event alongside former Miami Open champion Hubert Hurkacz in 2025.
In fact, Swiatek has participated in every United Cup event since the international team event was first founded in 2023.
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The Polish star has decided to forego the 2027 United Cup, various reports stated on Sunday.
Instead, Swiatek will begin her campaign at the Brisbane International, which will take place between January 3 and 10, 2027. The United Cup will take place from January 2 to 11.
Swiatek has clearly made an inspired decision in choosing to prioritise her preparation for the Australian Open over national team success.
After such an underwhelming year on the Tour, Swiatek needs to focus on herself and her development as a tennis player, rather than worrying about defending the United Cup title.
The decision to participate in Brisbane will enable Swiatek to do exactly that – which will grant her the best possible preparation for the Australian Open.
Swiatek also has extra motivation to be as well prepared as she can possibly be for the WTA 500 event. After all, she could become only the 11th woman in tennis history to complete the coveted ‘Career Grand Slam’ in singles events.
Women who have completed the Career Grand Slam in singles
- Serena Williams
- Maria Sharapova
- Margaret Court
- Chris Evert
- Martina Navratilova
- Billie Jean King
- Steffi Graf
- Maureen Connolly
- Doris Hart
- Shirley Fry
Maria Sharapova remains the last woman to have accomplished the feat. The Russian added her name to the list after winning Roland Garros in 2012.
