Iga Swiatek missed three tournaments amid suspension in the doping scandal. Despite all odds, the Polish managed to finish the 2024 season ranked at no.2, right behind her biggest rival Aryna Sabalenka. The Pole also opted for a change in her coaching team, by bringing in Naomi Osaka‘s former coach Wim Fissette. Amid the rapidly brewing partnership, Fissette appears to have developed a firm belief in the 23-year-old, even after her staggering defeat against Coco Gauff at the United Cup 2025. Fissette also detailed the reason behind Swiatek’s recent setback against her American rival.

Iga Swiatek’s coach, Wim Fissette, shared his opinion on the Polish team’s performance in the United Cup after securing second place. Despite a hard-fought effort, Swiatek fell short in the final against Coco Gauff, leaving the team scant of victory. Fissette admitted he had mixed emotions about the outcome. “I am definitely disappointed that we did not win this tournament as a team. Unfortunately, Iga was not able to win against Coco Gauff in the final. However, it was a very successful week, but at the same time an exhausting period with demanding matches, and Iga did a great job. She left her heart on the court. Ultimately, we are very happy with this period,” he said.

Fissette praised the unity within the Polish team throughout the tournament. He felt deeply connected to the team and appreciated the supportive atmosphere. “I felt like part of a team where there was a great atmosphere. They were very nice people who supported each other. The players who didn’t play helped a lot those who fought on the court. There was a great atmosphere within the team off the court as well. Kudos and congratulations to Mateusz Terczyński, who did a great job for the team. He was able to bring the team together and communicated with them very well,” he said.

Reflecting on Swiatek’s loss to Gauff, Fissette pointed to acquired fatigue from the exhausting tournament schedule. Matches against Karolina Muchova and Katie Boulter tested Swiatek to the limits, leaving her drained before the final. “To beat Gauff, you have to be at your best physically and play at your best. We knew that in the final it was impossible.” Despite the loss, Fissette expressed gratification in Swiatek’s determination and resilience, emphasizing that the tournament served as excellent preparation for the upcoming Australian Open.

Looking forward, Fissette highlighted the importance of rest and recovery for Swiatek. He acknowledged her mental and physical exhaustion from the United Cup but praised her willingness to compete at the highest level. “Even when I saw that she was very tired and I asked her if she wanted to rest, she said: ‘No, I’m here to win!’” For Fissette, the United Cup was both a valuable training session and a testament to Swiatek’s steady commitment to excellence.

While it was a tough loss for Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, who was on the winning side opened up about her win.

Coco Gauff Reflects on United Cup Win After Defeating Iga Swiatek and Calling Herself the Best

Coco Gauff celebrated her victory in the United Cup final by expressing her growing confidence and pride in Team USA’s achievement. After defeating Poland’s Iga Swiatek in the final, Gauff spoke about her evolving self-confidence as a top tennis player. “I think I have the belief now that I’m one of the best players in the world. I think I played great tennis. I’m happy to get a point on board for Team USA. It was tough today, I’m not gonna lie,” Gauff said during her on-court interview.

Gauff acknowledged the electric atmosphere, filled with a mix of Polish and American supporters. She shared her gratitude for the fans who rallied behind Team USA. “There’s a lot of Polish fans. I appreciate the atmosphere. Thank you to the US fans. Especially the ones up here that were carrying,” she remarked.

Reflecting on her approach to the match, Gauff highlighted her determination to give her best. “I realized the worst thing that can happen today is I lose. In this type of format, even if I lose, we still have a chance to win. I just said, ‘I’m gonna give my best effort,’ and I think that’s all the team can ask of me.”

Following the win, Gauff expressed excitement over her first team event victory. “It’s great to win a team event, the only team event I’ve ever won, so I’m super excited,” she added.

However, the match ended with a surprising “cold” handshake between Gauff and Swiatek. Tennis insider Jose Morgado highlighted the moment, calling it “a very unusual cold handshake from Iga Swiatek.” The handshake added an unexpected spotlight to the match, leaving fans curious about the tension between the players. Neither of the two, however, made any comments about it afterward. What do you think about Iga Swiatek’s overall performance in the United Cup?