Iga Swiatek has already decided where she will kick off her 2026 season after Poland committed to play the United Cup and the six-time Grand Slam champion confirmed her participation.
At the start of this week, the United Cup made a big announcement, revealing Poland as the first signed up nation for their 2026 event edition.
For Swiatek, this will mark her fourth consecutive United Cup appearance. In 2023, Swiatek guided Poland to the semifinal after going 3-1 in her singles matches and 2-of-2 in her mixed doubles clashes with Hubert Hurkacz.
The following year, the WTA world No. 2 pushed even harder for Poland as she claimed wins in all of her five singles matches. In mixed doubles, she and Hurkacz won their opening two mixed doubles matches, but lost to Laura Siegemund and Alexander Zverev in the deciding match of the 2024 United Cup final.
ADVERTISEMENT
Earlier this year, Poland returned to the United Cup final for the second year in a row after Swiatek went 4-of-4 in singles and 2-2 in mixed doubles with Hurkacz. But then, the Polish WTA star lost to Coco Gauff in the final while Hurkacz fell short to Taylor Fritz, and Poland once again fell just short of winning the team competition that took part on Australian soil.
Swiatek on returning to the United Cup: This tournament brings more excitement than normal tournaments
"It's always an amazing experience and just an honor to represent your country and especially alongside such great players. I love being part of the team and have great memories of playing this event. This tournament is different. It brings more excitement than normal tournaments we play during the year," the six-time Grand Slam champion said in a statement.
ADVERTISEMENT
It remains to be seen if Swiatek and Co. can make the final step at next year's United Cup edition, which takes place in the first week of the season.
