Poland lifted the United Cup for the first time after edging Switzerland 2–1 in a tense final on Sunday. The victory ends back-to-back final defeats for the Poles in the mixed-team competition.
Game Highlight
Switzerland struck first through Belinda Bencic, who fought back to defeat Iga Swiatek 3-6 6-0 6-3. Swiatek dominated the opening set but faded thereafter, allowing Bencic to level and close out only her second career win over the world number two.
Hubert Hurkacz responded for Poland with a gritty 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win over Stan Wawrinka. Playing his first tournament after nearly seven months out injured, Hurkacz held his nerve in the decider to deny the 40-year-old Swiss veteran.
The title was settled in the mixed doubles as Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski beat Bencic and Jakub Paul 6-4 6-3. The win sparked jubilant scenes among the Polish camp as they finally clinched the trophy.
Reaction And Looking Ahead
“We’ve finally made it. Third time lucky,” Swiatek said. “This year it was such a team effort. Even when my singles performances weren’t perfect, everyone believed until the end.”
The title caps an impressive run for Poland, which knocked out defending champions the United States in the semi-finals. Hurkacz now takes confidence into the Australian Open, which begins on January 18.
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