Switzerland v Poland: Iga Swiatek led from the front in Biel

In her first tie since 2022, Iga Swiatek led the charge for Poland in November’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals.

World No.1 Iga Swiatek played Simona Waltert in the opening match of the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Qualifier between Switzerland and Poland.

Swiatek, who is made her first appearance in her country’s colours since she put on a masterclass in the 2022 Qualifiers against Romania, was heavy favourite in the opening match-up.

Ranked 157 places higher than her Swiss opponent, Swiatek has not lost in Billie Jean King Cup since falling to Dayana Yastremska in a Europe/Africa Group I tie in 2019.

Despite not meeting on the professional tour, Swiatek actually defeated Waltert at Junior Wimbledon back in 2018.

“I know how she plays a little bit but, tactically, I need to prepare as we haven’t met on WTA,” explained the world No.1. “It’s never easy to play as a guest because the whole stadium is going to be cheering for Switzerland, but I’m ready to do my job. I’m going to focus on myself.”

In the second match, talented Swiss teenager Celine Naef takes on world No.52 Magdalena Frech, who started the year with a run to the second week of the Australian Open.

Naef made her debut at last year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Seville and despite coming away empty handed in terms of match-wins, the 18-year-old proved a handful for both Czechia’s Linda Noskova and USA’s Danielle Collins.