Iga Swiatek, Hubert Hurkacz lead Poland into historic final in United Cup

SYDNEY: Polish tennis stars Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz propelled Team Poland into its first United Cup final at the mixed-team tennis event on Saturday.

The dynamic duo showcased their prowess in the semi-final tie against France, securing a 3-0 victory and earning a spot in the championship match.

In the day’s second singles match, WTA World No. 1 Swiatek faced a formidable challenge against the 20th-ranked Caroline Garcia. After dropping the first set, Swiatek staged a remarkable comeback, clinching a 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 win. Swiatek acknowledged Garcia’s relentless pressure but expressed her satisfaction with the team’s overall performance, crediting Hurkacz for setting a positive tone.

“Hubi played a great match today. He had everything under control, and it was nice watching that. For sure, it (made it) a little bit easier for me,” Swiatek remarked after her hard-fought victory. Poland’s journey to the final marks a significant improvement from last year’s semi-final exit, showcasing their determination to claim the United Cup.

In the earlier singles match, Hubert Hurkacz, currently ranked No. 9 in the ATP Rankings, demonstrated his resilience against the tricky lefty Adrian Mannarino. Hurkacz secured a 6-3, 7-5 victory, giving Poland a crucial 1-0 lead in the tie. Reflecting on the battle, Hurkacz acknowledged Mannarino’s challenging shots and credited his mental strength for staying focused and positive throughout the match. IANS

Also Read: United Cup: Iga Swiatek, Hubert Hurkacz clinch semifinal spot for Poland

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