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World No. 1 tennis player Iga Swiatek ended up in tears Friday after losing to Jessica Pegula in the semifinals of the United Cup in Sydney.
The Polish player was beaten by her American opponent 6-2, 6-2, in just over an hour, ten days before the start of the Australian Open (January 16-30).
Jessica Pegula, the world’s third-ranked player, put the pressure on from the start by taking the first seven points, before closing out the first set in 39 minutes and breaking early in the second set to easily win.
It was a big disappointment for Iga Swiatek, who had beaten the American four times in 2022 and was the favorite after a remarkable last season.
“I played a lot against her, in a lot of different conditions, but I felt that they were clearly the fastest,” reacted Jessica Pegula after the match.
“I think I did a really good job of playing aggressive, serving smart and returning well,” added the world No. 3.
Pegula gave the U.S. the first point (1-0) in the mixed team tournament before 19th-ranked Frances Tiafoe put the Americans ahead with an easy 6-3, 6-3 win over No. 245 Kacper Zuk.
“I think I’m playing some of the best tennis of my life, I’m having a blast on the court,” said Tiafoe.
The Americans are just one win away from reaching the final. On Saturday, Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys will face Hubert Hurkacz and Magda Linette, respectively, before a possible doubles match to decide the two nations in case of a 2-2 tie.
In the other semifinal, Greece faces Italy.
