In the opening match, Iga Świątek faced Belinda Bencić, losing with a score of 6:3, 0:6, 3:6, which put the Polish team in a challenging position. Hubert Hurkacz needed to defeat Stan Wawrinka to bring the team back to level terms, and the Wrocław native stepped up to the challenge, winning against the three-time Grand Slam champion in a competitive match that ended 6:3, 3:6, 6:3 after almost two hours of play.
Despite being in the final season of his professional career at the age of 40, Wawrinka approached the match with enthusiasm and nothing to lose. He understood the importance of this duel, knowing that a win would significantly contribute to his team’s chances.
The match began with Wawrinka surprising Hurkacz, earning two break points in the very first game. However, the Polish player quickly regained control with his powerful serve and secured an early lead. As Hurkacz found his rhythm, Wawrinka struggled to keep pace. The decisive moment came when Hurkacz broke Wawrinka in the fourth game and maintained his dominance, ultimately closing the first set with a strong performance.
Wawrinka, not wanting to exit the tournament without a fight, rallied support from the crowd and elevated his level of play, showcasing the skills that had made him a formidable opponent in the past. His signature backhand and movement around the court were impressive, and he managed to break Hurkacz in the fourth game of the second set, capturing it as well before the Polish player could respond effectively.
Heading into the third set, Hurkacz recognized the need to elevate his game again. After facing some early pressure, he achieved a crucial break in the fourth game to lead 3:1. From that point forward, he controlled the match, finishing with his 18th ace to seal the victory.
With this win, Hurkacz leveled the match at 1-1 between Poland and Switzerland, setting the stage for a decisive mixed doubles showdown to determine the champion of the 2026 United Cup.
The United Cup is currently taking place in Sydney, Australia, featuring a substantial prize pool of $11.8 million. The next match will be crucial as Poland faces Switzerland in a battle to secure the title.