Coco Gauff won a set over Iga Swiatek in bizarre fashion after the Polish ace was left red-faced over a number of unforced errors in the pair’s United Cup clash.
Poland had reached back-to-back United Cup finals following a convincing victory over Kazakhstan at the event in Sydney.
Their reward was a final against 2022 victors, the United States, with Gauff vs Swiatek the standout tie from the final.
But the first set between the two WTA stars had an intriguing feel to it, as Gauff broke Swiatek’s serve without hitting a single forehand or backhand winner.
Instead, Gauff was able to largely count on the unforced errors from Swiatek, with the five-time Grand Slam champion hitting a whopping 19 during the first-set defeat.
It proved a frustrating start to the United Cup final for Swiatek, who was forced into receiving medical treatment midway through the second set of her singles tie with Gauff.
The television microphones picked up Swiatek claiming a problem in her leg was “painful”, with the 23-year-old taking a medical timeout to receive treatment off-court.
Swiatek did return, but much like the first set, Gauff proved too strong and wrapped up the win after claiming the second set 6-4 also.
It’s the start of a big year for Swiatek, who has come under heavy scrutiny after being given a one-month ban for a failed drug test.
Despite already boasting an illustrious list of career achievements, Swiatek has never won the Australian Open, with the Warsaw-born ace having never really come close either.
Aside from a semi-final appearance in 2022, Swiatek is yet to make it beyond the fourth round.
But not everyone from the world of tennis is backing Swiatek to perform down under, with Andrea Petkovic casting doubt on her chances during an appearance on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast.
The German said: “I thought this was going to be the year, 2025, where Iga does really well at the Australian Open.
“I know how her brain functions and I know she wants to get better at the things she is not as good at yet, and I know she has worked specifically in the off-season on that.
“I just think that with her personality and her anxiousness, there might be some residue in the first month.
“I just don’t know if she can bring it in the first month on a surface which traditionally doesn’t suit her well, with all the residue of what happened at the end of the season.”
The Australian Open draw takes place on Thursday, with the action getting underway next week.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk