Poland come third time lucky with United Cup title

Poland raced ahead with two quick service breaks in the opening set of mixed doubles to set up a first-ever United Cup title with a 2-1 defeat of Switzerland in the Sunday final.

Victory in Sydney wrapped up the 18-nation mixed team event, a prime tuneup for the Australian Open which begins in six days.

Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski completed the job for the Poles, defeating Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul 6-4, 6-3 in the deciding rubber.

Bencic, who won her first nine singles and doubles matches at the event, shocked world No. 2 Iga Swiatek 3-6, 6-0, 6-3. 

But Hubert Hurkacz, playing his first event since July Knee surgery, levelled for Poland as he held off three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Bencic stood 1-5 against Swiatek coming into the match.

“It’s always a challenge playing her, I have to look for ways to improve every time.

“Today I was on from the first point, playing great even if I was 3-0 down. I waited for some chances and hoped her focus would go down.

“I’m happy I stayed in the second set and put the pressure on,” she said before winning the most valuable player award for the tournament.

Hurkacz knew he had defeated a legend with his win over the 40-year-old Wawrinka who is playing in his 20th and final season.

“Stan is an inspiration from when I was growing up. His game is really powerful. He’s a smart player.”

The Pole broke for 3-1 in the third set to get a grip on victory. and finished with an ace on match point.

“I knew I was catching him towards the end. I needed to raise my serve.”

The Poles clinched the trophy playing a third final after losses to Germany (2024) and the US 12 months ago.

“Finally we made it,” Swiatek said. “Third time lucky – but not lucky, we worked really hard.”

Bencic said the Swiss were experiencing “so many emotions. Poland deserved it, you literally served us away.

“It’s so bittersweet, but we can be proud of ourselves. This has been one of the best weeks of my life.”

Main photo:- Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski Team Poland celebrate winning the mixed doubles final match between Switzerland and Poland at the United Cup by TENNIS AUSTRALIA/James Gourley