Poland booked their place in the United Cup final with sweet revenge, edging out defending champions USA 2-1 in Sydney — even as Iga Swiatek fell again to Coco Gauff.
Hubert Hurkacz set the tone by outlasting Taylor Fritz in two razor-tight tie-break sets, giving Poland the early edge. The Americans hit back in style through Gauff, who produced another commanding display to beat world No.2 Swiatek 6-4, 6-2, extending her winning streak over the Pole to four straight matches just days before the Australian Open.
But Poland had the final say.
BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK UNITED CUP FINALS 👏 🇵🇱
Poland’s Kawa and Zielinski take out USA’s Gauff and Harrison, sending their country into the championship tomorrow!
Who’s ready for Poland vs. Switzerland?! 😏 pic.twitter.com/BOCT2I1pr8
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 10, 2026
Gauff returned for the decisive mixed doubles, yet Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski held their nerve in back-to-back tie-breaks to seal a dramatic victory and send Poland into Sunday’s final.
They will face Switzerland, who also advanced 2-1 after a gripping semi-final win over Belgium in searing heat.
Belinda Bencic was the heartbeat of the Swiss triumph, grinding out a marathon 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 win over Elise Mertens that left her emotionally drained.
“It feels like 170 kilos fell off my shoulders,” Bencic admitted. “I felt so much pressure not to let my team down.”
Veteran Stan Wawrinka, playing what he has said will be his final season, pushed through exhaustion to take Belgium’s Zizou Bergs to three sets before falling short. That left the tie to be decided in mixed doubles, where Bencic and Jakub Paul delivered under pressure.
“The team spirit is amazing,” said Bencic. “It starts with Stan — his energy lifts everyone.”
With Poland chasing redemption and Switzerland riding belief, the United Cup final is set for a compelling finish.
(with AFP inputs)
