News > Rafael Nadal crashes in season opening match as Iga Swiatek cruises at United Cup

Rafael Nadal crashes in season opening match as Iga Swiatek cruises at United Cup

Rafael Nadal lost his opening match of the season in the countdown to the defence of his Australian Open title, but women’s world number one Iga Swiatek cruised to victory at the United Cup. Nadal crashed to Britain's 14th-ranked Cameron Norrie 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the mixed-teams tournament in Sydney. The 22-time Grand Slam champion struggled with his first serve which ultimately cost him the first defeat to Norrie in their fifth meeting.