Iga Swiatek makes her feelings known on Coco Gauff ahead of United Cup 2025 final showdown
Iga Swiatek has shared her candid assessment of Coco Gauff ahead of their highly anticipated battle in the 2025 United Cup final. Team USA is aiming to clinch their second title at the prestigious event, while Poland seeks redemption after their runner-up finish last year.
Both Gauff and Swiatek have been in exceptional form during their respective campaigns at the United Cup, playing instrumental roles for their teams by winning all of their singles matches en route to the final. The pair will lock horns in a crucial showdown in the final, followed by a blockbuster battle between Taylor Fritz and Hubert Hurkacz and an exciting mixed doubles contest.
Iga Swiatek will hold a distinct advantage heading into the much-awaited encounter, as she enjoys a commanding 11-2 in her head-to-head record against Coco Gauff. However, the American emerged victorious in their most recent meeting at the 2024 WTA Finals, claiming a 6-3, 6-4 victory.
During the post-match press conference after Poland's semifinal win over Kazakhstan, Swiatek shared her thoughts on her match against the World No. 3. The Pole praised Gauff's high level of play and acknowledged the challenge ahead, highlighting the consistent improvement displayed by the 20-year-old.
Iga Swiatek also expressed satisfaction with her own game, especially after her impressive 7-6(5), 6-4 win over Elena Rybakina in the semifinals. The five-time Grand Slam champion shared her intention to focus on herself and deliver another strong performance in the title clash.
"And against Coco, you know, she's playing great, I think. I mean, I haven't watched, but Coco is, I think at this stage she's developing every month, and it's going to be also a nice challenge, and, you know, I'm happy with my game," Swiatek said.
"I can kind of play without expectations and just push for more as I did today. I'll be happy anyway if I do, like, the same kind of work I did today, like, no matter the result. So I'll focus on myself," she added.
Coco Gauff ahead of United Cup final: "Iga is a tough opponent... It's going to be a great level of tennis"
During her press conference, Coco Gauff acknowledged Iga Swiatek as a tough opponent and expressed excitement about their high-profile matchup in the United Cup final.
"Yeah, I'm feeling great. I felt like I was playing good today. Obviously Iga is a tough opponent. I don't know. I haven't thought about it too much yet. But yeah, I think it's going to be a great level of tennis and super excited to go out there tomorrow and hopefully bring the Cup back home," Coco Gauff said.
The American also credited her confidence for her win over Swiatek at the 2024 WTA Finals and emphasized her intention to bring that same mindset to their showdown in Sydney.
"I think just confidence. I was very confident in Riyadh. Yeah, I think when I'm playing confident tennis, that's my best tennis. It makes it hard for her or anyone to really do anything. So tomorrow I'm just going to go out there and be confident," she said.
Following the United Cup, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff will be in action at the 2025 Australian Open, scheduled to commence on January 12. Both players will be on the hunt for their maiden title at the Melbourne Slam, facing stiff competition from two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Elena Rybakina, among others.