Swiatek after victory over Rybakina at the United Cup: "I felt like I was playing with the handbrake on".
On Saturday, Poland became the first country to qualify for the United Cup final.
After Hurkacz's success against Shevchenko, Swiatek did the job in a clash against Rybakina (7-6, 6-4), sealing the fate of the match.
On court moments after her victory, the world number 2 reflected on this prestigious win.
"Honestly, I think it's the first time I've won against Elena on a faster surface. It means a lot. I didn't get off to a good start.
I felt like I was playing with the handbrake on. I knew I had to do something because it was going to be a tough match to win.
I wanted to change the dynamic, and I'm glad I did in the first set. After that, I told myself I wasn't going to miss any more.
It's always difficult against Elena. It means a lot to me to be able to play today. Especially after such intense days.
It's not easy to recover when you go to the hotel at 1am and go to bed at 5am. This victory makes me really proud," Swiatek began.
"I'm trying to find more joy and positive emotions. Of course, sometimes there's negativity, but I feel that these positive emotions are there.
But I also feel that when I feel negative emotions, it pushes me to work even harder.
There are definitely more emotions because we're playing for the team, not just for ourselves.
Still, I feel good, I feel like all these emotions push me harder, they don't make me nervous or anything."
