Iga Świątek will not compete in the 2026 BJK Cup qualifying tie against Ukraine on April 10-11. The Pole did not appear on the squad list in the first place, but she explained her decision on social media. Świątek cited the need for ‘calm’ during a turbulent time in her career.
Iga Świątek Explains Why She Won’t Compete at the BJK Cup
Świątek’s been through the wringer in recent months. Her on-court results have not met her personal expectations. The Pole’s 12 wins and six losses this season have ultimately led to the firing of her coach, Wim Fissette. She announced the decision just days after she was knocked out of the Miami Open by her compatriot Magda Linette.
On March 28, she shared that she had made a rather difficult decision to sit out Poland’s upcoming tie against Ukraine. “This is not an easy decision for me, as playing in Poland has always held and holds special significance for me, and I know that many of you were looking forward to seeing me on the court,” she wrote on Instagram.
Świątek drew attention to the chaos that she has faced on and off the court, expressing an urgent need to take a breather. “Recent times have been demanding for me, both in terms of sports and the changes happening around me. I feel that I need a moment to pause, organize certain things, and focus on calm, quality work. I hope you understand.”
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She also expressed confidence in the existing Polish roster, which includes her conqueror, Linette, alongside Linda Klimovičová, Katarzyna Kawa, Maja Chwalińska, and their captain, Dawid Celt. The team faces the Ukrainian squad featuring Elina Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk, Oleksandra Oliynykova, Lyudmyla Kichenok, Nadiia Kichenok, and captain Illya Marchenko.
“I am sure that @magdalinette will do a wonderful job leading the girls. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the entire squad,” she wrote. “I will be cheering for you with all my heart.”
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Świątek was key in Poland’s semifinal run at the BJK Cup Finals in 2024, but she missed the squad’s qualifying ties against Switzerland and Ukraine in 2025. While the team staged a clean sweep against the former, they failed to win a single match against Ukraine, resulting in elimination from the Finals. She contested the play-offs against Romania and New Zealand later that year to help her team secure a place in the upcoming 2026 qualifiers.
The 24-year-old is scheduled to resume her campaign at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart on April 13. Świątek is heading to Mallorca ahead of the clay season. She will train at the Rafa Nadal Academy, with a new coaching partnership in the works.
