Updated On: 31 December, 2024 08:02 AM IST | Perth | AFP
“I feel good, I feel happy, happy I can play tennis overall,” she added. “I’m just going step by step and we’ll see what’s next”

Poland’s Iga Swiatek during her win over Norway’s Malene Helgo in Sydney yesterday. Pic/AFP
Iga Swiatek romped to an emphatic victory in her season-opening match at the United Cup Monday, but Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed as Kazakhstan upset Greece to make the knockout round of the mixed-team tournament.
Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek was on court for the first time since news broke in late November that she served a one-month ban for a doping violation. But the Pole quickly shook off any nerves in Sydney with a 6-1, 6-0 thrashing of Norway’s Malene Helgo, needing just 62 minutes for the demolition job. “Pleased with everything, honestly. I’m happy for sure with the performance,” said the World No. 2.