Iga Swiatek started her season with a dominant win at the United Cup on Monday. Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas experienced a setback as Kazakhstan upset Greece, securing a spot in the mixed-team tournament’s knockout stage.
Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, returned to the court after news of her one-month doping ban surfaced in late November.
The world number two from Poland displayed no signs of nerves in Sydney, defeating Norway’s Malene Helgo 6-1, 6-0.
“Pleased with everything, honestly. I’m happy for sure with the performance.”
“It’s not always easy to play for your country, sometimes the pressure is a bit bigger.”
“I feel good, I feel happy, happy I can play tennis overall.”
“I’m just going step by step and we’ll see what’s next.”
The 23-year-old tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample taken in August. At the time, she held the world number one ranking.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted that the violation was unintentional, resulting in a one-month suspension.
While Swiatek shone, Greek star Tsitsipas had a disappointing day.
Tsitsipas, whose ranking dropped from a career-high of three to 11 during a subpar 2024 season, was hoping for a positive start in Perth.
However, he was upset by the 78th-ranked Alexander Shevchenko, losing 6-4, 7-6 (7/0).
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, the world number six and 2022 Wimbledon champion, then secured victory for her team. She defeated Greece’s Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-3, despite a late resurgence from Sakkari.
“I’m really happy for the team.”
“We all tried hard. It was a tough match for me today and I’m so happy to be in the quarter-finals.”
Rybakina, now coached by Novak Djokovic’s former coach Goran Ivanisevic, took the first set and built a 5-0 lead in the second. Sakkari, a former world number three, fought back to win three consecutive games.
Rybakina ultimately secured the win on her third match point, capitalizing on Sakkari’s mishit overhead.
“At 5-0 you have nothing to lose, she played more aggressively and hit some good shots.”
Shevchenko described his victory over a sluggish Tsitsipas as “one of the best” of his career.
“He was not at his best today. But I played really well and found the moment to win that match.”
“It will definitely go in my record as one of my best wins.”
Defending champions Germany, led by Alexander Zverev, edged out China 2-1 in Perth, with both teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
Germany topped their group and will face Kazakhstan on Wednesday. China progressed as the best runner-up from the Perth group.
Zverev, ranked second in the world, overcame a slow start to defeat Zhang Zhizhen 2-6, 6-0, 6-2. However, Gao Xinyu upset Laura Siegemund 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, leveling the tie.
The German duo then won the mixed doubles match against Zhang Shuai and Zhang Zhizhen, 6-2, 7-6 (7/3).
Zverev struggled initially against an inconsistent Zhang, who dominated the first set before fading.
“I didn’t start off well. I was missing more shots from my backhand side, which is normally the most stable.”
“He was also playing extremely well, so aggressive. He was not letting me into the match or find my rhythm.”
“Then I found my rhythm and I’m happy with my performance in the second and third sets.”
In Sydney, Katie Boulter spearheaded Great Britain’s victory over Argentina. All three teams in the Sydney group, including hosts Australia, remain in contention for the knockout rounds.
World number 24 Boulter defeated Nadia Podoroska, ranked 100th, 6-2, 6-3.
Billy Harris appeared poised to secure the tie for Britain after winning the first set against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
However, the Argentine rallied to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, forcing a decisive mixed doubles match.
Etcheverry partnered with Maria Carle in the mixed doubles, but Boulter and Charles Broom secured the win for Great Britain, 7-6 (7/4), 7-5.