Iga Swiatek enjoyed one of her most memorable nights on Saturday after leading Poland to their best-ever Billie Jean King Cup result in an epic way.
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After Czech Republic's Marie Bouzkova beat Magdalena Frech in tight three sets, it was up to the five-time Grand Slam champion to keep her nation alive in their quarterfinal tie in Malaga. Since she was due to face world No. 26 Linda Noskova - who is actually one of the trickiest opponents for the Pole - no one expected it to be a cakewalk.
And indeed it wasn't an easy battle but Swiatek came out on top after two hours and 41 minutes to seal a 7-6 (4) 4-6 7-5 win. Since the match finished very late, the 23-year-old didn't have much time to rest and she was back on the court as the clock struck midnight.
As if playing a marathon match and finishing very late wasn't enough, the four-time French Open winner and Katarzyna Kawa had to battle doubles world No. 1 Katerina Siniakova and Bouzkova in the deciding doubles match. While Swiatek is one of the best in the game and Kawa is a top-100 doubles player herself, Siniakova is a dominant force in doubles and the Czechs were definitely the favorites.
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But the Polish duo delivered to win 6-2 6-4 and propel their nation to their first semifinal at the Billie Jean King Cup, in which they will play Italy.
It should be noted that the world No. 2 was playing a doubles match in the competition for the first time since 2019.
Its amazing that we have made history for Poland a dream come true. I missed playing this event a couple of times, but now I have the chance to play I want to make an impact and do something well. I am so happy that I finally got the opportunity and this tournament is amazing. The atmosphere is great and the whole experience is wonderful. Im so happy also that we have such amazing players in the team," Swiatek said after the victory.
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I am super proud of Katarzyna, myself and the whole team for fighting today because in doubles we werent the favorites. Im super happy that Katarzyna was leading the doubles, picking the right tactics and telling me what to do as I havent played doubles in a while. I think we made a really good team.
Believe it or not, it was all happening as Kawa turned 32
When the clock struck at midnight in Malaga, the doubles world No. 93 also turned 32 years old. Then, she delivered big time.
Through the first four games of the match, the two teams were tied to two games apiece. But then, the Polish team went on a major run, winning the next eight games to open a 6-2 4-0 lead.
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But Siniakova and Bouzkova didn't quit and bounced back by winning four games in a row. However, Kawa and Swiatek didn't panic as they served out the ninth game before breaking the Czech duo in the following game to complete their win.
I didnt know it was my birthday at the time. I didnt know what time it was but, for sure, its a very special birthday for me. We played against very tough opponents. I know how good Iga is and I know her strengths. I just tried to do my best and play at the highest level possible, so we had a chance. As Iga said, we werent the favorites. I have played against Katerina a couple of times and she has beaten me and I wasnt going to lose again. Im happy we made it," Kawa reflected.
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Paula Badosa said this about Swiatek's fitness just a day earlier
On Friday, the Polish tennis star overcame Badosa 6-3 6-7 (5) 6-1 in two hours and 38 minutes to seal Poland's win over Spain. Later, the 27-year-old Spaniard admitted she ran out of gas after the second set while the 23-year-old remained physically strong.
"She maintained the level throughout the match, and the most noticeable difference was in terms of physicality. In that aspect, she is at a higher level; that's why she was the world number one for three consecutive years and won so much. There is a significant gap there with the others, and today I experienced it firsthand," Badosa explained.
After spending over two and a half hours on the court on Friday, the five-time Grand Slam champion also spent nearly four hours on Saturday.
However, there is no reason not to think that Swiatek won't be ready for Italy on Monday.
