shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > Iga Swiatek I felt helpless

Iga Swiatek: I felt helpless

Updated on: 07 January,2023 11:23 AM IST  |  Sydney
AFP |

Stunned by Jessica Pegula, Poland’s World No.1 Swiatek admits frustrating time while tackling feisty American in United Cup semis; Sakkari crashes too

Iga Swiatek: I felt helpless

Poland’s Iga Swiatek reacts after conceding a point to Jessica Pegula in Sydney yesterday. Pics/AFP

A “helpless” Iga Swiatek was left in tears after Jessica Pegula stunned the World No.1 on Friday with Greece’s sixth-ranked Maria Sakkari also crashing to defeat in the semi-finals of the inaugural United Cup. Less than two weeks before the Australian Open, Poland’s Swiatek had no answers to the American’s powerful serve and searing returns, crashing 6-2, 6-2 in a deflating 71-minute defeat in Sydney. 


A perfect match


“She played I think a perfect match, and it was pretty hard for me to find any spot where I could come back, because she really didn’t let me do that,” said Swiatek. “I just knew that I felt kind of helpless today, because physically and mentally I wasn’t able to kind of show up even, and problem-solve,” she added of why the tears came.


Tiafoe beats Zuk

“So it’s always hard when you lose, especially when you’re playing for the team and your country. So I was just sad. But, you know, it’s not the first time I cried after a lost match.” Men’s World No.19 Frances Tiafoe then put the United States on the cusp of Sunday’s final when he swept past Kacper Zuk 6-3, 6-3. 

Jessica Pegula
Jessica Pegula

Tiafoe was initially supposed to play Daniel Michalski, but he pulled out with illness. Italy took an early advantage in their semi-final against Greece, with a fired-up Martina Trevisan upsetting Sakkari 6-3, 6-7(4/7), 7-5 in a gruelling 3hr 14min epic. “Oh my god, it was a great battle today, I’m really, really happy,” said the 27th-ranked Italian who clocked one of the biggest wins of her career. 

“My team was incredible, they gave me a lot of energy. It was amazing.” “My level is pretty high, it has been for a while now,” said Tiafoe. “I believe I’m playing some of the best tennis of my life, I’m just having fun out there on court.”

Also Read: World No.1 Iga Swiatek leads Australian Open entry list

Djoko sets up SF  with Medvedev

Top seed Novak Djokovic battled past dangerous Canadian Denis Shapovalov with a high-octane performance Friday to set up an Adelaide International semi-final with former world number one Daniil Medvedev.

The Serbian, bidding for a 92nd career title in preparation for the Australian Open this month, overcame early wobbles before hitting his stride to win 6-3, 6-4. He now meets Medvedev, who proved too strong for compatriot Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-3.

Women’s top seed Ons Jabeur went 3-0 behind in the first set against Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, but rallied to win 7-6 (7/5), 7-5. The Tunisian will take on rising Czech teen Linda Noskova for a place in the final after she outlasted veteran Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 6-7(3/7), 7-6(8/6).

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK