SYDNEY: Iga Swiatek delivered a commanding performance as Poland defeated hosts Australia 2-1 in the United Cup quarter-finals on Friday to book a last-four clash with defending champions the United States.
The six-time Grand Slam winner made light work of teenager Maya Joint, cruising to a 6-1 6-1 victory in the women’s singles to give Poland the early advantage. Australia responded through Alex de Minaur, who edged out Hubert Hurkacz 6-4 4-6 6-4 in a gripping men’s singles encounter marked by resilience and mental toughness.
“I just had to fight him off from the first point to the last. It was a huge mental effort,” De Minaur said after saving nine break points in the opening set before regrouping following a second-set dip.
Poland sealed the tie in the mixed doubles, where Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski overpowered Storm Hunter and John-Patrick Smith 6-4 6-0. The victory sets up a repeat of last year’s final against the United States, with the eventual champions to face either Switzerland or Belgium in the final.
