Poland marched into a second successive final at the United Cup mixed team tennis tournament on Saturday with a convincing 3-0 victory over Kazakhstan.
On Sunday, the last year's runners-up will take on inaugural champions the United States, who defeated the Czech Republic after singles' wins by Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz.
World number two Iga Świątek wrapped up the tie with a battling display against the big-hitting Elena Rybakina for a 7-6(5) 6-4 victory at the Ken Rosewall Arena.
"I think this was the first time I was able to win against Elena on a faster surface," said an exhausted Świątek after the epic battle 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."
World number two Iga Świątek wrapped up the tie with a battling display against the big-hitting Elena Rybakina for a 7-6(5) 6-4 victory at the Ken Rosewall Arena.
"I think this was the first time I was able to win against Elena on a faster surface," said an exhausted Świątek after the epic battle 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."
A stellar match 😮💨
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 4, 2025
And what a way to end it, @iga_swiatek! #UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/3x1JLHwtpf
Hubert 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 Briton Billy Harris in the quarter-final after a couple of defeats in the group stage.
In mixed doubles, Jan Zieliński and Maja Chwalińska beat Zhibek Kulambayeva and Shevchenko 6:4, 6:1, sealing Poland’s victory.
Poland were beaten by Germany in last year's final.
The United Cup is a tune-up event for the Australian Open, which runs from Jan. 12 to 26. The international hard-court competition features teams from 18 countries, competing in singles and mixed doubles.
"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 Briton Billy Harris in the quarter-final after a couple of defeats in the group stage.
In mixed doubles, Jan Zieliński and Maja Chwalińska beat Zhibek Kulambayeva and Shevchenko 6:4, 6:1, sealing Poland’s victory.
Poland were beaten by Germany in last year's final.
The United Cup is a tune-up event for the Australian Open, which runs from Jan. 12 to 26. The international hard-court competition features teams from 18 countries, competing in singles and mixed doubles.
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