Third time lucky: Poland beat Switzerland for United Cup title
admin_news
Poland came third time lucky when they rallied to beat Switzerland 2-1 for a maiden title in the mixed team United Cup on Sunday in Sydney.
Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski clinched the trophy when they beat Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul 6-4, 6-3 in the deciding mixed doubles.
Switzerland when Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Bencic fought to beat former world number one Iga Swiatek 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 in the opening rubber and completed an unbeaten record at the tournament.
Hubert Hurkacz, back from a long injury lay-off, made it 1-1 with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 against veteran Stan Wawrinka, who is playing his final season, to force the decision in the final rubber.
Poland triumphed after losing the 2025 final against the United States and the 2024 decider against Germany. This time they beat Germany in the group stage and the US in the semi-finals.
"Finally, we made it, third time lucky,” the tournament website quoted Swiatek as saying said during the trophy ceremony.
“I really felt it was a team effort this year. Hubi, what a comeback after so many months. You played amazing. You inspired us all with determination. I feel you improved every part of our game. Our doubles team, wow! You just beat everyone. It was amazing.”
