Iga Swiatek, the winner of six grand slam singles titles, has signed on to start her 2026 season in Australia, with Poland the first country to commit to the United Cup.
The 2025 Wimbledon champion will be making her fourth appearance at the tournament since it was introduced in 2022, but has yet to lift the trophy after Poland finished runners-up twice, including in 2025.
2025 Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek.Credit: AP
The tournament has previously attracted other grand slam champions, including Novak Djokovic and American Coco Gauff – who won the tournament in 2025 with Taylor Fritz – with players eager to start their season in a team environment.
“The United Cup is always amazing. It’s always an amazing experience and just an honour to represent your country and especially alongside such great players,” Swiatek said.
“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.”
Swiatek will be joined by former world No.6 Hubert Hurkacz, a duo that has previously drawn big crowds to the tournament.
Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek shake hands after Gauff gets the win for team USA.Credit: Getty Images
“They’re the best because they’re literally everywhere,” Swiatek said of the Polish fans. “In any country that we go, there are many Polish people, and in Australia, there’s a big Polish community. I think they’re really committed and really believe in us, and that’s what’s most important.”
The United Cup will be held in Sydney and Perth from January 2 to 11 and feature 18 countries with more than $17 million up for grabs.
