Iga Swiatek ‘makes difficult decision’ as she confirms tweak to her schedule
Iga Swiatek has opted not to represent Poland in the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers with the five-time Grand Slam winner stating “it is time for more balance”.
Poland will host Switzerland and Ukraine in the qualifying round from April 10-12 and world No 2 Swiatek was expected to spearhead their charge in Radom.
Poland reached the semi-final of the team tournament for the first time in their history in 2024 before losing to eventual winners Italy with Swiatek winning her three singles matches during the playoffs and one doubles encounter.
She also represented her country at the United Cup at the start of the 2025 season and they finished runners-up to the United States with Swiatek winning four of her five singles rubbers.
However, the European country’s most successful tennis player has decided to skip next week’s group matches as she looks to prepare for the hectic clay-court season on the WTA Tour.
Swiatek is coming off a busy North American hard-court campaign as she played in the back-to-back Sunshine Double, losing in the semi-final of the Indian Wells Open and the quarter-final of the Miami Open.
The Pole is not playing any WTA events this week, but there will be non-stop action after the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers as she will head to Germany for the Stuttgart Open and that will be followed by the WTA 1000 events, the Madrid Open and Italian Open, before the swing comes to an end at Roland Garros.
In an Instagram Story, Swiatek wrote: “I have made a difficult decision. I know that this is not the information that fans, especially Polish fans, wanted, nevertheless, it is the right decision for me for now.
“I will not play in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifying tournament, which will be held in Radom.
“I always represent my country with pride. I played everything there was to be played for the country last year. I am extremely proud of the historic team success – the BJKC semifinals and the UC finals.
“Now it’s time for more balance, focusing on myself and my training. I keep my fingers crossed for the girls and the whole team.”
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Swiatek is yet to hit her best form in 2025 as she hasn’t reached any finals with her best showings coming at the United Cup during Poland’s run to the final while she lost in a couple of semi-finals – including at the Australian Open against Madison Keys, who went on to win the season-opening Grand Slam.
She was stunned by 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in the Dubai Tennis Championships semi-final while 19-year-old Alex Eala upset her in the last eight at the Miami Open last week.
The four-time Roland Garros winner has not won a title since lifting the French Open trophy in June last year.
