Poland has punched its ticket to the semi-finals of the United Cup after a strong performance against Australia, leading to a highly anticipated matchup with the United States. This quarter-final victory was highlighted by Iga Swiatek, who secured an early win for Poland, followed by a decisive mixed doubles match that sealed the overall victory.
In the quarter-finals held in Sydney, Swiatek showcased her dominance by defeating Australian rising star Maya Joint with a commanding score of 6-1, 6-1. The World No. 2 displayed her experience and skill throughout the match, winning six consecutive games in the first set and maintaining control in the second. “I think the intensity — the balls get quite heavy, so I’m happy that I was always pushing forward,” Swiatek said afterwards, reflecting on her performance.
The evening featured another gripping contest as Alex de Minaur took on Hubert Hurkacz. In an intense matchup that drew considerable support from the home crowd, De Minaur prevailed with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory, demonstrating remarkable resilience. He saved all nine break points he faced in a gritty opening set, allowing him to stay within striking distance of victory despite losing the second set. “I just had to fight him off from the first point to the last,” he noted, highlighting the mental toughness required in such a high-pressure environment.
With the tie level at one, the competition shifted to mixed doubles, where Jan Zielinski and Katarzyna Kawa represented Poland against the Australian duo of John-Patrick Smith and Storm Hunter. The Polish pairing delivered a stellar performance, winning 6-4, 6-0 and advancing Poland to yet another semi-final.
Looking ahead, Poland will now face the United States, aiming to avenge their finals loss from last year’s tournament. The upcoming matches are already generating excitement, with Swiatek set to clash with Coco Gauff, and Hurkacz taking on Taylor Fritz, both rematches of the previous final. This series of encounters bodes well for a thrilling tennis spectacle, as the stakes continue to rise.
This victory not only marks Poland’s advancement but also continues their impressive run in the United Cup, reaching the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive year. Fans are eager to see if they can turn the tables on the defending champions in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.