Iga Swiatek Dominates as Tsitsipas Falls in United Cup Drama
Iga Swiatek made a commanding start to her 2024 season at the United Cup, delivering a resounding 6-1, 6-0 victory over Norway's Malene Helgo in just 62 minutes. This marked Swiatek's return to competitive tennis following a one-month doping suspension. The Polish star tested positive for trimetazidine in August, but the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) deemed the violation unintentional, resulting in a minimal sanction.
"Pleased with everything, honestly," said Swiatek, now ranked world No. 2. "I'm happy with the performance and grateful to be back on the court."
While Swiatek thrived, Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas endured a nightmare start. The former world No. 3, now ranked 11th, fell 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) to Kazakhstan's Alexander Shevchenko, ranked 78th. Shevchenko described the win as "one of the best" of his career, capitalizing on a lackluster performance from Tsitsipas.
Kazakhstan's success continued as Elena Rybakina, the world No. 6 and 2022 Wimbledon champion, defeated Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-3, clinching Kazakhstan’s spot in the quarterfinals. Despite leading 5-0 in the second set, Rybakina had to fend off a late surge from Sakkari before sealing the match in 85 minutes.
"I'm really happy for the team," Rybakina said. "It was a tough match, but we gave it our all."
Elsewhere, defending champions Germany faced China in Perth, with Alexander Zverev leading their charge. In Sydney, Britain secured a dramatic win over Argentina. Katie Boulter took down Nadia Podoroska 6-2, 6-3, but Tomas Martin Etcheverry rallied to defeat Billy Harris, sending the tie to a decisive mixed doubles match. Boulter and Charles Broom ultimately sealed victory for Britain, overcoming Etcheverry and Maria Carle 7-6 (7/4), 7-5.
The United Cup continues to deliver high-stakes action as teams battle for knockout stage spots in this mixed-team tournament.
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