UNITED CUP
Hubert Hurkacz delivered a stirring return from injury and finally put an end to Poland’s United Cup final frustrations, leading his nation to a hard-fought championship triumph over Switzerland on Sunday night in Sydney.
Competing in his first event in seven months after undergoing knee surgery, the former world No. 6 rose to the occasion with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Stan Wawrinka, keeping Poland in contention after Iga Swiatek had earlier fallen 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 to an in-form Belinda Bencic, who completed the tournament unbeaten in singles at 5-0.
With the trophy at stake, Jan Zielinski once again proved decisive, teaming up with Katarzyna Kawa to claim their fifth mixed doubles win of the week. The Polish pair secured a 6-4, 6-3 success against the previously undefeated duo of Jakub Paul and Bencic, who had been chasing a flawless 10-0 record across all matches. Despite the defeat, Bencic was honored as the United Cup Finals Most Valuable Player.
The night carried special emotion for Swiss captain Stan Wawrinka, 40, who had hoped to open what could be his farewell season with a surprise United Cup title. Showing trademark resilience, Wawrinka contested four three-set matches during the competition, but finished the event with just one win from five singles outings.
“I’m kind of speechless. It’s really incredible,” Hurkcaz said. “Obviously personally, but also a massive day for Poland, for Polish tennis. We showed how strong we are as a Polish country in tennis. To win that trophy, it tastes incredible. After we came very close two times.
“Just so grateful to the whole team, everyone supporting each other, just being together and enjoying the competition.”
“Finally, we made it, third time lucky,” Swiatek said during the trophy ceremony. “I really felt it was a team effort this year. Hubi, what a comeback after so many months. You played amazing. You inspired us all with determination. I feel you improved every part of our game. Our doubles team, wow! You just beat everyone. It was amazing.”
“This moment is so bittersweet,” Bencic said. “We can be so proud of ourselves and we really deserve to celebrate this. It was truly one of the best weeks of my life.”
ATP Photo