'Too good': Swiatek, Ruud exchange playful banter after baseline slugfest

SYDNEY -- Iga Swiatek always wanted to see Casper Ruud's heavy forehand up close and on Monday night at the United Cup, the World No.2 got her chance.

Poland and Norway had everyone on the edge of their seats as their dramatic Group B showdown came down to a mixed doubles super tiebreak. Poland recovered from an 8-6 deficit to run off the last four points in dramatic fashion to squeak out the win.

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"Honestly I think it's much more fun than anything I play because singles is like my daily job," Swiatek said. "I get more fun playing mixed doubles."

"When I'm returning Casper's serve, I'm just playing without expectations. Just trying to use my intuition a bit. It's just fun."

In a pivotal exchange at 4-3, Swiatek and Ruud engaged in a powerful baseline exchange that left the crowd gasping as the tension mounted. Pounding the ball down the line back and forth, Swiatek was the first to take the initiative and change direction, yanking a forehand sharply cross-court for the winner. 

Watch the point below:

"Too good @iga_swiatek," Ruud wrote on Instagram, "but next time stay down the line until one of us makes a mistake. I'm sure it would be me at some point. 

Swiatek was quick to respond: "Challenge accepted"

"I [told him at the net] it is fun to play against his forehand because I always loved his forehand," Swiatek said.

Poland (1-0) will face the Czech Republic (1-0) on Wednesday, with the winner topping Group B. Norway has been eliminated. 

Watch more highlights from the mixed doubles below: