Iga Swiatek labelled a ‘cheat code’ as she snatches United Cup MVP honours

Iga Swiatek couldn’t lead Poland to the United Cup title but she earned the tournaments MVP award after putting together an unbeaten run in her singles matches at the team event.

Swiatek gave Poland the lead in the United Cup final tie after besting former No 1 Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-0 in the opening rubber.

The Pole didn’t feel that the scoreline was an accurate reflection of the challenge Kerber posed.

“I felt like she was really picking the right spots to play and she surprised me sometimes with her decision-making and choices,” Swiatek said.

“I knew she could play like that but I didn’t have much time to get into the rhythm because she was really aiming sometimes these balls inside out.

“With the ball change, I felt like my game could be more dynamic and I could push Angelique more after 4-3.”

With Swiatek in great form and playing first, Poland were always likely to start with a win but Germany were prepared to fight back and led by Alexander Zverev put in an inspired fightback.

Zverev refused to go down in his singles match saving two break points on the way to beating Hubert Hurkacz and he was then key to the German victory.

The German No 1 had high praise for Poland’s top player, claiming that having her in a team in this kind of setup was like having a cheat code in a video game.

“Congrats to Team Poland, amazing run. It was a matter of millimetres today for you guys to be the champions,” Zverev said.

“I know it is upsetting, but you guys all have I think an amazing season ahead. Hubi and Iga, especially I think. Iga, congratulations on the MVP. I said it before in an interview, I think having you on a team is like having a cheat code on a video game, so it’s amazing what you’ve been doing for the past few years and I think you have a big season ahead.”

Swiatek was philosophical on the loss saying that Poland have progressed after being beaten in the semi-finals last season.

“It was really tight. Last year we made it to the semi-finals, this year to the final so hopefully the next step is going to be winning,” Swiatek said.

“For sure we’re making progress and I want to thank my team, all the players, the captain [Tomasz Wiktorowski], who I convinced to be a captain. And he did an amazing job, really supported us throughout the whole tournament.”

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