Swiatek to play in South Korea before 2027 season, pundit says it is part of preparation

Iga Swiatek will return to the court before the official start of the 2027 season. The Pole will play in the Naver Hyundai Card The Six tournament in South Korea on 25–27 December.

A strong field

Alongside Swiatek, the field includes Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Naomi Osaka, Mirra Andreeva and Jasmine Paolini. The tournament is not part of the WTA calendar, but it has a traditional draw. Matches are to be played in a format closer to normal competition than to an exhibition show.

Swiatek will start against Paolini. If she wins, she could meet Sabalenka as early as the semi-final.

Why Korea matters

Maciej Zaręba of Canal+ Sport told Sport.pl that the trip has a concrete sporting purpose for the Pole. In his view, it is not an exhibition played suddenly in the middle of the season, and the perspective is entirely different.

Location is key. Swiatek will begin the 2027 season in Brisbane, and her main goal in the first weeks will be the Australian Open. Time in Korea will let her start adjusting to the time zone in that part of the world earlier. It will also give her a chance to test her form after her main training block, against the best opponents.

Criticism and response

Criticism appeared after her participation was announced. The Pole was reminded of her earlier remarks that the WTA calendar is too packed. Zaręba believes, however, that comparing compulsory in-season events with one played after a break of several weeks is unfair. Swiatek finished her regular events in October, so she will have gone more than two months without official competition before playing in Korea.

The tournament could therefore serve as a test at the highest level before the fight for points in the new season begins.