Iga Swiatek left in tears after a shock defeat to Jessica Pegula in United Cup semi-finals in Sydney

Iga Swiatek was left in tears on Friday after she suffered a shock defeat to Jessica Pegula in the United Cup semi-finals.

World No. 3 Pegula dominated the contest to seal a 6-2 6-2 victory over the Pole in her first victory over the world No. 1 since 2019.

Swiatek was visibly disappointed after a match where she won just 38 per cent of points on her first serve and 33 per cent on her second and was seen crying on Poland’s team bench while speaking to team captain Agnieszka Radwanska.

Swiatek was broken four times as Pegula sealed the comfortable win in just 71 minutes.

“She’s one of the best players in the world so you have to be really on top of your game to win against Jessie,” the three-time Grand Slam winner said afterwards.

“It was always like that, even last season. So I’m not surprised, because I know what she can do. I’m more surprised I just wasn’t able to step up to her game today.”

In the second match of the tie against USA, world No. 19 Frances Tiafoe beat Kacper Zuk 6-3 6-3 to give the Americans a commanding 2-0 lead.

Tiafoe said after his straight sets victory that he was inspired by Pegula’s performance against Swiatek.

“When I saw her play today I was like ‘I can’t come out here b********ing'” he said.

“That was unbelievable, to beat Iga, who is obviously the best player in the world, that heavily.

“I think Jess is an unbelievable player, unbelievable person.”

The semi-finals continue on Saturday. Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz takes on Taylor Fritz before Magnda Linette plays Madison Keys.

Swiatek and Pegula are set to face each other again in the mixed doubles alongside their respective compatriots Hurkacz and Fritz.

Swiatek believes Poland can still mount a comeback in the inaugural event.

“I have a belief that we can do a lot,” the 21-year-old said. “Magda played really solid match two days ago, so I hope she’s going to be confident.

“I would say they are both 50/50, but it depends. I will do my best on the bench. I wasn’t able to do that on court today, but I will do my best to cheer and help them.”

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