Iga Swiatek will skip the 2027 United Cup to open her season at the Brisbane International, breaking a four-year commitment to Poland’s team entry in a strategic pivot toward the Australian Open, Przeglad Sportowy reported. The former world number one will bypass the mixed-team event she has contested annually since its inaugural edition in 2023, choosing instead a WTA 500 tune-up in Brisbane running from January 3 to January 10, 2027.
Francisco Roig Confirms the Schedule Change for Brisbane
Francisco Roig, coach of the Polish player, confirmed the adjustment in her early-year calendar. “Along with Iga, we have decided that she will begin the new season at the Brisbane tournament,” Roig said. “To make this decision, we have taken into account primarily the preparation plan and the competition calendar, especially thinking about the Australian Open. This means that Iga will not participate in the United Cup. I know how much her participations in this tournament have meant to her over the last few years. Representing Poland has always been and continues to be very important to her.”
Iga Świątek nie zagra w United Cup 2027 ❌Jak dowiedział się Przegląd Sportowy Onet, nasza tenisistka wybrała start w turnieju WTA 500 w Brisbane (03-10.01.2027) ✅Celem nakreślonym przez team ma być jak najlepsze przygotowanie się do Australian Open.📸… pic.twitter.com/iqu2f2xIjO
Poland Adjusts Roster Without Its Top Star
Swiatek’s absence creates an immediate lineup shift for Poland, which enters the 2027 competition as the defending champion after defeating Switzerland in the 2026 final. Maja Chwalinska will step into the squad to fill the vacancy left by Swiatek, while Hubert Hurkacz remains among the players entered for the Polish team.
The Pre-Season Exhibition Stop in Seoul
Before arriving in Australia, Swiatek is scheduled to travel to South Korea in late December. She will compete in The Six, an exhibition tournament in Seoul featuring a star-studded field that includes Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva, Naomi Osaka, and Jasmine Paolini.
WTA Ranking Points and the Australian Open Chase
By shifting to Brisbane, Swiatek shifts her early points defense. She will have the opportunity to earn up to 500 WTA ranking points at the Queensland event, while walking away from the 150 points she collected at the previous United Cup. The primary focus of the scheduling maneuver remains the Australian Open, the only Grand Slam tournament missing from Swiatek’s career resume.
