Swiatek narrowly beaten by Gauff, but Poland advance to final act at United Cup for third year in a row
Article by Luminița Paul – Published Saturday, January 10, 2026, 4:29 p.m. / Updated Saturday, January 10, 2026 4:29 p.m.
The Polish team will play the last act at the United Cup against Switzerland, after a tense 2-1 victory over the defending champions USA. The decisive point came in the mixed doubles, while the expected duel between Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek undoubtedly went to the American.
The third final in a row for Poland at the United Cup, but with emotions until the last seconds of the mixed doubles match against Team USA. There, the doubles specialists Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski were superior pairs Coco Gauff-Christian Harrison7-6 (5), 7-6 (3).
The tension was maintained throughout the match, even more so as the Americans served twice to win the second set and even had three balls at 6-5. The inspired Zielinski, with a poised post-victory speech, and the brave Kawa sent their team into the final act.
“Honestly, I don't know how things turned out“, said Jan (29 years old, number 34 in doubles, but former ATP 7th place). “I'll have to review the pictures, point by point“, he added, praising his partner for the safe development.
TEAM POLAND TURNING THE VOLUME UP 🇵🇱📣 pic.twitter.com/Ubzxqv3sgT
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 10, 2026
Coco Gauff, victorious against Igai Swiatek
However, it came to the decisive match after the expected duel between Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek was confidently won by the American, 6-4, 6-2.
“I didn't let the opportunities I had in the first two match ball opportunities slip away“, explained the WTA number 4, who prevailed at the fourth opportunity. “She played well. He may have had an error on the lapel, but after that he played better tennis. But I know that if I keep my level throughout the match I will be able to winGauff added.
Iga came back in the first set from 1-4 to 4-4 with 12 points won in a row, but Gauff's composure helped her cross the line in the lead. Moreover, in the second half, she was 5-0, but prevailed 6-2 against an opponent who did not reproduce the dominant game from the victory over the Australian Maya Joint in the “quarters” or the one over the Dutch Suzan Lamens in the group.
Hubert Hurkacz's dream comeback continues
Hubert Hurkacz celebrating a point in the United Cup Photo: Imago Images
In the first match of the match, Hurbert Hurkacz (28 years old, 83rd ATP) continued his spectacular return to high-level tennis with a victory over the world number 9, Taylor Fritz7-6 (1), 7-6 (2).
“Obviously, playing Taylor is a big challenge, a difficult match, especially on this surface, which is quite fast. He serves very strong, the forehand as well,” the Pole said after the match in the on-court interview. “However, I feel that I also played solidly, I tried to be more aggressive”, he explained.
After missing seven months from the circuit with a knee injury that required surgery, Hurkacz didn't know what to expect going into the United Cup. The former world number 6 however performed brilliantly, winning in minimum sets against Alexander Zverev, Tallon Griekspoor and Fritz.
“I was definitely pleasantly surprised, in a way, because I haven't played in a very long time. Coming back after such a long time for the first time in my life, you never know what to expectHurkacz said.On the other hand, I've been working a lot off the pitch as well, so I'm giving myself time to get back to my level, to an even better level, and maybe the fact that I had lower expectations for this week helped me“, he concluded.
