“The United Cup was so much fun, I’ve actually never been involved in a mixed event before because I missed out on the Battle of the Brits with injury, so I was really pumped when I got in the team,” said Swan. 

“Some of us didn’t know each other that well, so I was interested to see what the dynamic would be like but straight away Tim (Henman) set up a WhatsApp group and the banter started flying around straight away. 

“Honestly, Tim really surprised me, I think him, Jonny (O’Mara) and Evo (Dan Evans) were the most vocal in the chat – I woke up on multiple mornings with over 50 unread messages from those guys. 

“I definitely think we had the best team spirit of everyone there and that’s one of the reasons we got the good results.” 

Swan was one of the shining British stars throughout the tournament, winning both her opening matches against Zoe Hives and Nuria Parrizas Diaz, whilst taking world No.11 Maddison Keys to three sets. The world No.145 was encouraged by her performances and believes that captain Tim Henman played a pivotal role in the team's success. 

“I wouldn’t say these performances have been out of the blue – there’s been a lot of work over the last six months to get here and I’ve especially knuckled down in my training,” Swan explained. 

“I started with a new fitness trainer and a new physio recently and with the help from them, Alex Ward (Swan’s coach) and Tim, it’s put me in a great place at the start of this year, especially representing your country in a big event like that. I thought I performed well. 

“Having Tim as a captain was such a great experience for me. Before I came out here, he spent about five or six days with me and Harriet (Dart) at the National Tennis Centre to better understand our game and I’d never really met him properly before. 

“In the matches he was just so positive, which is great for me because sometimes I can get a bit down on myself, but he wouldn’t let me go there. He just kept reinforcing the positivity, which got me through some tough moments in those matches.  

“I’ve gained a lot of confidence in my tennis and in myself from being around him – I’m so grateful that I’ve had the chance to get to know him better. To play matches with a legend of the sport and one of my idols right there with me – I’d never have thought this would happen. I think we’ll have a good relationship going forward, he’s been on my case already since I got to Melbourne!” 

Starting her season in December meant that Swan had to head Down Under a little earlier than usual, but the 23-year-old has been loving every minute since she touched down in Sydney. 

“I came out with Alex, my coach, from London on the 18 December,” said Swan, “I’d been playing indoors for about three months, and I was keen to get out to Australia early and get some practice outdoors and get used to the heat. 

“Christmas was fun, we spent the day on Bondi Beach which was iconic, and it was absolutely rammed, but a few of us Brits headed down and we had a really nice time. Christmas on the beach was a bit weird but I can’t complain! 

“I always look forward to the Aus trip. Usually, you’ve already spent winter in London and even when I flew out it was minus six degrees so I’m just happy to get out to some sun.  

“Two of my favourite things about coming here is the coffee and the fresh mango, so I’m always looking for new cafes to try. 

Now with the Australian Open qualifiers right around the corner for Swan, the young Brit is turning her attention to the first Slam of the season and everything else that’s yet to come in the 2023 season. 

“I feel really good going into Australian Open qualifiers,” Swan said enthusiastically.  

“I’m taking everything day by day and giving my best in practice and matches. It’s all about consistency and if I go with that the results will take care of themselves. It’s nice to be at a Grand Slam obviously and I definitely feel like I’m ready. 

“I know Jodie (Burrage) and Katie (Boulter) are in the final in Canberra, which is a brilliant start to the year for them and I think we have a really strong group – we’re all pushing each other to move up.  

“This year I’m looking forward to playing some more tournaments. I’ve got my ranking into a good place where I can play mainly a WTA schedule, which I’ve never done before. Hopefully, I’ll continue to climb the rankings and I want to get into the main draws of slams too.  

“There’s going to be lots of new events and new cities to explore, which I’ve started to do a lot more – I’m excited to see what this year has in store.”