SYDNEY — In a thrilling final that showcased the very best of team tennis, Poland etched its name into United Cup history on Sunday, battling back to defeat Switzerland 2-1 and claim the coveted trophy for the first time.
The victory at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena was a testament to resilience and national pride, as the Polish squad, led by world No. 1 Iga Świątek and supported by a heroic Hubert Hurkacz, overturned a 0-1 deficit to secure the mixed-gender team championship. "This is an amazing feeling," a jubilant Świątek said after the match.
Swiss Precision Meets Polish Power
The final began with a masterclass in precision from Swiss star Stan Wawrinka. The three-time Grand Slam champion, drawing on his vast experience, dismantled Poland’s Daniel Michalski 6-3, 6-0 in the opening men’s singles rubber. Wawrinka’s dominant performance, featuring his trademark one-handed backhand, gave Switzerland the early advantage and put immense pressure on the Polish team.
The fate of the title then rested on the racket of Iga Świątek in the women’s singles. Facing a resurgent and confident Iga Świątek, Switzerland’s world No. 12, Belinda Bencic, knew she faced a monumental task. Świątek, playing with relentless intensity, delivered a performance worthy of her top ranking, overpowering Bencic 6-2, 6-1 in just over an hour. "I knew I had to win my match to give us a chance," Świątek stated post-match.
A Decisive Mixed Doubles Duel
With the final tied at 1-1, the championship came down to a winner-takes-all mixed doubles clash. Poland fielded its strongest possible pairing: world No. 1 Świątek and world No. 9 Hurkacz. Switzerland countered with the formidable duo of Bencic and Wawrinka, a pairing with Olympic gold medal pedigree. The atmosphere was electric as the match unfolded in a tense, tactical battle.
The Polish pair started strong, taking the first set 6-3. The Swiss duo fought back valiantly in the second, breaking serve and forcing a tiebreak, which they won 7-6(5) to level the match. The championship would be decided by a dramatic 10-point match tiebreak. In the clutch moments, Hurkacz’s powerful serving and Świątek’s sharp returns proved decisive. They raced to a 9-5 lead and sealed the title on their fourth championship point, winning 6-3, 6-7(5), [10-5].
An emotional Hurkacz, who had lost his singles match in the semifinal, was overjoyed with the redemption. "Playing with Iga is so special. We fought for every point and this trophy is for all of Poland," he exclaimed. The victory was a true team effort, with key contributions throughout the week from players like Magda Linette and Katarzyna Piter.
The Path to Glory: Poland's United Cup Journey
Poland’s triumph was no fluke; it was the culmination of a dominant campaign. Entering the final, they were the only team in the tournament yet to lose a tie. Their journey to the title was marked by several key victories and standout performances:
- Group Stage Dominance: Poland topped Group B in Perth without dropping a tie, defeating Spain and Brazil 3-0, with a particularly hard-fought 2-1 win over a spirited Spanish team.
- Quarterfinal Grit: In Sydney, they faced a tough Chinese team, prevailing 3-0, but the scoreline belied the challenge, with Hurkacz needing three sets to overcome Zhang Zhizhen.
- Semifinal Statement: Their most impressive win came against France in the semifinals. After Hurkacz fell to Adrian Mannarino, Świątek leveled the tie by crushing Caroline Garcia. The Polish mixed doubles pair then clinched a nail-biting victory to advance.
Throughout the event, the Polish team displayed a cohesive spirit and tactical flexibility, with captain Tomasz Wiktorowski making astute lineup decisions. The ability to perform under pressure in the mixed doubles format, a new experience for many top singles players, became their signature strength.
A Tournament of Firsts and Future Promise
The 2024 United Cup final not only crowned a first-time champion but also solidified the event’s status as a premier fixture on the tennis calendar. The innovative mixed-team format, offering both ATP and WTA ranking points and a $10 million prize purse, has successfully attracted the world’s best players. For Poland, the victory is a landmark achievement in the nation’s tennis history, following Świątek’s individual Grand Slam successes.
Switzerland, despite the defeat, leaves with heads held high. The performances of Bencic and Wawrinka, especially in the doubles, demonstrated incredible fight. Captain Severin Lüthi praised his team’s effort, saying, "We gave everything. Stan and Belinda were amazing to get us to the final. We are disappointed but very proud."
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Polish Tennis
As the celebrations began on court in Sydney, the significance of the moment was clear. Poland’s United Cup victory is more than just a team title; it is a symbol of the country’s rising tennis prowess, led by a generational talent in Iga Świątek and supported by a deep and talented squad. The win provides perfect momentum as the tour heads toward the Australian Open. For the players, lifting the trophy together was a unique and unforgettable experience. "Winning as a team, for your country, is completely different," Świątek reflected. "This feeling, this week, I will remember forever."