United Cup: Elena Rybakina vs Iga Swiatek vs semi-final analysis

Match dynamics flipped once Swiatek changed to a higher-tension racquet

source: United Cup

The seventh** career meeting between Swiatek and Rybakina had a very uncharacteristic start: it was filled with unusual early-rally errors from Swiatek (video below).

** erroneously mentioned as 9th career meeting in the mail send-outs

📺 source: Tennis Tv

With balls flying off her racquet, Swiatek gestured to her team that she needed a higher tension.

But before picking up a new frame, the Pole fell a break behind. Despite starting the 5th game 40/15 up, she lost serve after stringing 3 forehand unforced errors while under little pressure coupled with a double fault (video below).

Uncomfortable with her equipment, Swiatek was in a vicious cycle of abbreviating her swings instead of completing follow-throughs and missing the adequate footwork to position correctly for the ball.

Making the most of her opponent’s struggles, Rybakina reached a 5-3 first set lead after securing 4 straight easy holds to 15.

It was by this time that Swiatek cleaned up her game after finally switching to a higher-tension racquet. It was a very small change — Laura Robson reported it was from 25.5 to 26.0 Kg or 56.2 to 57.3 pounds — but it turned the match on its head.