Poland advanced to the United Cup semi-finals for the third consecutive year after securing two singles victories over Britain on Thursday. The wins in Sydney gave Poland an unassailable 2-0 lead in the mixed team tournament.
Iga Swiatek delivered a gritty performance, defeating Katie Boulter 6-7(4) 6-1 6-4 in a near three-hour match at Ken Rosewall Arena. This victory ensured Poland a last-four clash against Kazakhstan ahead of the Australian Open starting on Jan. 12.
“I’m just exhausted,” Swiatek admitted after the marathon match. “I’m happy I won, so I don’t need to play mixed doubles. The match was crazy, with so many momentum shifts.”
Swiatek initially led 4-1 in the first set but lost it in 74 minutes after Boulter’s comeback. Determined to recover, she dominated the second set and overcame a right leg issue in the decider. “I got tight in the first set but didn’t repeat the mistake in the third. I took four painkillers,” Swiatek shared, joking about needing a nap or rest.
Earlier, Hubert Hurkacz put Poland ahead 1-0. He edged Billy Harris in a tight match, winning 7-6(3) 7-5, much to the fans’ delight.
