The 2024 season for World No. 1 Iga Swiatek commenced with a commanding display, securing a victory over No.11 Beatriz Haddad Maia at the United Cup in Perth, Australia. This triumph not only provided her team with an early 1-0 lead over Brazil in Group A, but also extended her winning streak to an impressive 12 matches.
Subsequent to Swiatek’s success, Hubert Hurkacz contributed to Poland’s triumph with a hard-fought victory over Thiago Seyboth Wild. This ensured an unassailable 2-0 lead for Poland, ultimately securing the tie. In mixed doubles, Swiatek and Hurkacz completed a clean sweep for their team by defeating Haddad Maia and Marcelo Melo.
With this victory, Poland, seeded as No.1, advances to 1-0 in Group A, while Brazil drops to 0-2 and is consequently eliminated from the tournament, having also lost its opening tie to Spain.
The match on Saturday not only featured a rematch of last year’s French Open semifinal, but also pitted two players with impressive winning streaks against each other. Both Swiatek and Haddad Maia concluded their 2023 campaigns with unbeaten runs, with Swiatek finishing the year at No.1 with 11 consecutive wins and Haddad Maia securing the title at the WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai and extending her streak to seven.
In their third career meeting, Swiatek showcased relentless baseline pressure, quickly gaining control of the match. Haddad Maia fought back in the second set, but Swiatek’s pinpoint serving and aggressive play ultimately secured her the victory after 1 hour and 18 minutes on the court.
Following her remarkable win, Swiatek will prepare to face Spain in the final tie of Group A, while Hurkacz, who had a successful 2023 season with titles in Marseille and Shanghai, will strive to maintain his unbeaten record in the new season.
The United Cup continues to exhibit thrilling matches and remarkable performances from top players around the world, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season of tennis.