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Tennis – United Cup – Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, Australia – January 6, 2023 USA’s Jessica Pegula shakes hands with Poland’s Iga Swiatek after their match REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
SYDNEY—World number one Iga Swiatek broke down in tears after losing 6-2 6-2 to Jessica Pegula, giving the United States the perfect start to their United Cup semi-final against Poland in the opening singles rubber on Saturday before Frances. Tiafoe doubled the advantage.
Swiatek was able to hold serve just once in the first set as Pegula raced to a 5-0 lead and the United States number three kept the pressure on with a good return in the second set.
Pegula secured a dominant victory that will also give him a personal boost going into this month’s Australian Open when Swiatek sent a forehand after just over an hour at Ken Rosewall Arena.
“I thought I did a good job of playing aggressively, serving smart and returning well,” said Pegula, who had lost four matches before against Swiatek.
It was his first career victory over the number one champion and a result that left Swiatek in tears in the Polish cave after the match.
“She’s one of the best players in the world, so you have to be at the best of your game to win against Jessie,” Swiatek said. “It was always like that, even last season.
“So I’m not surprised, because I know what he can do. I’m more surprised I couldn’t go up to his game today.
Tiafoe gave America a 2-0 lead when he comfortably defeated Kacper Zuk 6-3 6-3, saying after the match that Pegula’s performance had inspired him.
“It was great, I watched it a lot. I forgot I was playing, I’m so happy for Jess… I know what it means for her going forward,” said Tiafoe, who has won all four singles matches at the event, dropping one set.
TREVISAN OUTLASTS SAKKARI AS ITALY SURGE
Martina Trevisan gave Italy an early advantage in the other semi-final of the mixed team tournament by stunning world number six Maria Sakkari of Greece 6-3 6-7(4) 7-5 in a gripping battle over three hours.
Lorenzo Musetti then put them 2-0 up with a 6-1 6-1 victory over Stefanos Sacellaridis.
The semi-finals continue on Saturday with two singles matches and a mixed doubles rubber. The final will take place the following day.
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