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Sydney, January 7, 2026
Poland Secures United Cup Title in Thrilling Comeback
Table of Contents
Poland defeated switzerland 2-1 in Sydney to claim their first United Cup championship, overcoming an early setback from world number two iga swiatek.
- Poland wins the United Cup for the first time after previous final defeats in 2024 and 2025.
- Iga Swiatek suffered a singles loss but rallied her team to victory.
- Hubert Hurkacz’s win over Stan Wawrinka proved pivotal in leveling the tie.
- Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski clinched the title with a decisive mixed doubles victory.
The Polish team etched their name into United Cup history, battling back from a one-set deficit to secure a 2-1 victory over Switzerland in a captivating final held in Sydney. The triumph marks a notable milestone for Poland, having fallen short in the 2024 and 2025 championship matches against Germany and the United States, respectively. Poland’s victory demonstrates the power of teamwork in international tennis competition.
Bencic Draws First Blood, Hurkacz Responds
The match began with a surprising upset as former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic delivered a dominant performance, defeating world number two Iga Swiatek 3-6, 6-0, 6-3. Bencic continued her impressive United Cup singles record, securing her ninth victory in the tournament and giving Switzerland an early lead in their first final appearance. The Swiss player’s aggressive baseline game proved too much for Swiatek,who struggled to find her rhythm.
However, Poland swiftly responded thanks to a persistent effort from Hubert Hurkacz. In a thrilling three-set encounter, Hurkacz overcame three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, leveling the tie. Hurkacz showcased impressive resilience, particularly noteworthy after a seven-month absence due to injury, and managed to outlast the veteran Wawrinka, who is in his final season on tour.
Mixed Doubles Decides the Championship
The fate of the united Cup rested on the shoulders of the mixed doubles pairing. Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski, maintaining their undefeated record in the tournament, rose to the occasion. They defeated Bencic and Jakub Paul 6-4, 6-3, securing the decisive point and the championship for Poland. the Polish duo’s seamless court coverage and strategic play proved too strong for their Swiss counterparts.
“Finally we have made it – third-time lucky… I mean, not lucky as we worked really hard,” Swiatek exclaimed, reflecting on the team’s perseverance. “I want to thank our team because this year I felt like it was such a team effort. I really felt the support. Even though my singles performance wasn’t perfect, you really got my spirits up and each of you believed to the end.”
Kawa and Zielinski’s victory mirrored their performance in the semi-finals, where they clinched a crucial rubber against the American pairing of Coco Gauff and Christian Harrison, demonstrating their consistent
