SYDNEY — Poland marched into a second straight United Cup final Saturday with a convincing 2-0 victory over Kazakhstan after Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek won their singles matches.
Last year’s runners-up will take on the United States or Czech Republic in Sunday’s title clash. The two teams face off in the second semifinal in Sydney.
World No. 2 Swiatek wrapped up the tie with a battling display against the big-hitting Elena Rybakina for a 7-6 (5), 6-4 victory at Ken Rosewall Arena.
“I think this was the first time I was able to win against Elena on a faster surface,” an exhausted Swiatek said after a match that lasted a little over two hours. “It means a lot. I didn’t start well, I felt like I was on the handbrake a bit. I knew I had to do something because this match could go both ways. I wanted to change the momentum and I’m happy I did that in the last possible chance.
“I told myself that I’m not going to miss anymore, and I’m happy because it’s always tough against Elena.”
Hurkacz earlier beat Alexander Shevchenko 6-3, 6-2 in less than an hour to help his team put one foot into the final.
“The last match here gave me a little bit of confidence and I’ve been playing better with every single match,” said Hurkacz, who beat Britain’s Billy Harris in the quarterfinal after a couple of defeats in the group stage.
Poland was beaten by Germany in last year’s final.
The 18-team United Cup is a tune-up event for the Australian Open, which runs from Jan. 12-26.
Reuters contributed to this report.
