Qatar tribune PA Media/DPA Sydney Iga Swiatek edged a three-set thriller against Katie Boulter as Poland knocked Britain out of the United Cup on Thursday. Swiatek, the world number two, prevailed 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 6-4 in an epic contest just short of three hours to steer Poland into the semi-finals in Sydney. The turning point came in the third set with Boulter leading 2-1 and a break up, with Swiatek heading to the physio room for a medical time-out and appearing to be in some discomfort.
The five-time grand slam champion was able to gather her composure, however, and broke Boulter’s serve to love on her return. Although Boulter had a break point at 4-4 when she was denied by a brilliant backhand that just caught the line, Swiatek finally got the better of the world number 24 in their first meeting. “The match was crazy, like so many changes of momentum,” Swiatek said in her on-court interview.
“I thought I had it under control in the first set, but I got tight and I didn’t want to make the same mistakes in the third. “It’s hard to be precise under so much pressure, but I made it and it’s a step forward.” Despite an instant Swiatek break at the Ken Rosewall Arena, Boulter showed her resilience during a third game of nine deuces on the Pole’s serve.
Boulter was unable to accept any of the four break points which came her way, but was in no mood to give up the opportunity when it next arose. The British number one broke back to make it 4-3 and then held her ne.