SYDNEY: Poland’s dynamic duo, Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz, propelled their nation into the United Cup final by securing a hard-fought victory over top-seeded France. Hurkacz, currently at a career-high ninth in the world, triumphed over Adrian Mannarino with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-5 in Sydney. The world number one, Swiatek, faced a stern challenge from Caroline Garcia but eventually prevailed 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.
This commanding performance sets the stage for Poland’s first-ever United Cup final appearance, as they eye the championship. The Polish team, having reached the semi-finals last year but falling short against the United States, is determined to make history this time.
Reflecting on her match, Swiatek acknowledged the pressure exerted by Garcia but expressed satisfaction with their journey to the final. She highlighted the importance of calming down and adjusting her approach after a challenging first set.
Garcia, who played a pivotal role in France’s quarter-final victory over Norway, displayed resilience by securing an early lead. However, Swiatek shifted the momentum in the second set, dominating the remainder of the match. The third set witnessed a swift conclusion, with Swiatek showcasing her prowess and securing the win.
In the men’s singles, Hurkacz faced a formidable challenge from Mannarino, who executed tricky shots throughout the battle. Hurkacz emphasized the mental aspect of the game, showcasing resilience and positivity in securing crucial points. His steady performance and ability to stay present on each point ultimately led to victory.
The Polish team now awaits the winner between Alexander Zverev’s Germany and hosts Australia in the United Cup final, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the mixed teams competition ahead of the Australian Open.
