Team Poland secured a place in the United Cup final after a tense 2-1 victory over Team USA at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena. The tie was decided in the mixed doubles, where Jan Zielinski and Katarzyna Kawa overcame Coco Gauff and Christian Harrison in two tie-break sets. Zielinski sealed the opening set 7-6(5) with a powerful backhand return, while Poland clinched the second 7-6(3) to complete the win in one hour and 45 minutes. “They just keep winning the bigger points, Team Poland,” said Todd Woodbridge in commentary for Nine.
Gauff keeps USA alive with dominant win
Earlier in the evening, Coco Gauff delivered a commanding performance to defeat Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-2, leveling the tie at 1-1. Gauff overcame early pressure, saving four break points in her opening service game before breaking Swiatek twice to secure the first set. In the second, she consolidated an early break and added another to take full control, closing out the match in one hour and 40 minutes.
Hurkacz powers past Fritz
Poland had taken the initial lead thanks to Hubert Hurkacz, who defeated Taylor Fritz 7-6(1), 7-6(2). Both sets were decided in tie-breaks, with Hurkacz’s serve proving decisive. Despite Fritz saving key points, Hurkacz capitalized on errors and maintained composure to secure the straight-sets victory.
Switzerland defeats Belgium to reach the final
In the other semi-final, Switzerland overcame Belgium 2-1. Belinda Bencic extended her unbeaten run by defeating Elise Mertens 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(0), before Zizou Bergs leveled the tie with a 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-3 win over Stan Wawrinka. The decisive mixed doubles saw Bencic and Jakub Paul prevail 6-3, 0-6, [10-5] against Mertens and Bergs, maintaining their perfect record as a pair.
The final showdown
Poland will now face Switzerland in the United Cup final, chasing their first title after finishing runner-up in both 2024 and 2025. With Hurkacz and Swiatek leading Poland and Bencic spearheading Switzerland, the final promises a clash of resilience, skill, and high drama.
Hubert Hurkacz in 2026
Currently ranked no.83, Hurkacz played his last match on the 10th of January when he defeated world no.9 Taylor Fritz 7-6(1) 7-6(2) in the semifinal in Australia (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Pole achieved an overall 3-1 win-loss record. Hubert Hurkacz’s latest run in Australia was the best achievement of his season.
