Switzerland has advanced to the semifinals of the United Cup following a thrilling 2-1 victory over Argentina on Wednesday, primarily driven by the impressive performance of Belinda Bencic. Bencic, who remains unbeaten this season, showcased her prowess by defeating Solana Sierra in singles with a convincing score of 6-2, 6-2. This victory puts her at an exceptional 6-0 in both singles and doubles since the start of the year.
The highlight of the match came from the mixed-doubles showdown, where Bencic teamed up with Jakub Paul to secure a 6-3, 6-3 win over the Argentinian duo of Maria Lourdes Carle and Guido Andreozzi. This win was crucial, as it clinched the tie for Switzerland, allowing them to move forward to Sydney for the semifinals, where they will face the victor of the Czechia-Belgium matchup. Bencic and Paul have displayed remarkable chemistry, winning all three of their mixed-doubles matches this week, reflecting their excellent form during a tightly contested 68-minute match at the RAC Arena.
Meanwhile, in the men’s singles segment, Argentina’s Sebastian Baez delivered a strong performance, overcoming Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka with a 7-5, 6-4 victory, leveling the match before the mixed-doubles decider. Baez’s win is particularly noteworthy as it marks just his second career victory against a top 10 player, showcasing his potential on the ATP Tour.
Belinda Bencic, now ranked No. 11 on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz, has had an inspiring return to form after maternity leave, climbing from No. 421 in January 2025 to her current ranking by the end of the year. Her completed journey saw victories in Abu Dhabi and Tokyo, and she even reached the semifinals of Wimbledon. Bencic expressed her satisfaction with the season’s promising start, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum leading into the Australian Open.
With their sights set on Sydney, the Swiss team is brimming with confidence and readiness to continue their strong performance in the United Cup. This victory not only showcases Switzerland’s talent but also sets an optimistic tone for the upcoming challenges in the tournament.