Happy Swiatek Needs Nap

World No. 2 takes Poland into United Cup semis but long battle leaves her exhausted

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Poland returned to the semi-finals of the United Cup mixed-team tennis tournament for a third straight year, after hard-fought singles victories in Sydney set up a 3-0 win over Britain on Jan 2.

Iga Swiatek settled the tie after an almighty battle with Katie Boulter, prevailing 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 6-4 as the 2024 runners-up booked a last-four clash with Kazakhstan in the US$10 million (S$13.7 million) tournament, ahead of the Jan 12-26 Australian Open.

"I'm just exhausted," said Swiatek after the near three-hour marathon at Ken Rosewall Arena. "I'm happy that I won, so that I don't need to play mixed doubles. This match was crazy, so many changes of momentum."

The 23-year-old squandered a 4-1 lead in the opening set, which her opponent clinched in 74 minutes after an inspired comeback.

But the world No. 2 was not to be denied as she romped through the second set and shrugged off a right leg issue in the decider to outlast Boulter.

"I thought I had it under control in the first set but I got tight. I didn't want to repeat the same mistake in the third and I took four painkillers," Swiatek said.

"A lot hurt, but I'm happy that I won and for sure I'm going to need the day off tomorrow.