Iga Swiatek explains why she chose to put in a double shift to secure Poland’s historic Billie Jean King Cup Finals SF spot
Iga Swiatek put in a double shift playing and winning both singles and doubles for Poland in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals quarterfinal. The Pole’s commitment to her nation helped them qualify for their first BJK Cup Finals semifinal.
Poland got the better of Spain on Friday, November 15 in the first knockout tie of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Magda Linette and Swiatek earned victories in their singles matches to win the tie 2-0.
On Saturday, November 16, Poland took on the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals of the BJK Cup Finals. The Czechs earned the lead in the tie with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 win for Marie Bouzkova over Magdalena Frech.
Swiatek had to get the better of Linda Noskova to keep Poland in the tie and the 23-year-old did just that. She pulled off a 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-5 win over the Czech player to force the tie into a deciding doubles match.
After battling through a grueling two-hour and 39-minute singles match, Swiatek returned to the court just 30 minutes later, teaming up with Katarzyna Kawa for the doubles match, showcasing her unwavering commitment and endurance.
The Polish pair took on World No. 1 doubles player Katerina Sinikaova and her partner Marie Bouzkova, who also put in a double shift. However, the Polish duo was unfazed as they earned a decisive 6-2, 6-4 win in 71 minutes to advance.
In the post-match press conference, the World No. 2 acknowledged she was initially unsure how she felt physically and emotionally but was certain that she would regret saying no to playing doubles.
