Poland became the champion of the United Cup tennis tournament this Sunday in Sydney, Australia, defeating Switzerland in a thrilling final that was decided in the mixed doubles. Katarzina Kawa and Jan Zielinski defeated Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul in two sets, 6-4 and 6-3, giving the Polish team its first title in the tournament's history, having been the runner-up in the 2024 and 2025 editions. The team tournament final began with the women's match between Iga Swiatek and Belinda Bencic, which marked the first blow for the Swiss team. The Swiss player, ranked second in the WTA, started strongly and took the first set 6-3, but from there the match's development changed completely. Bencic raised her level, was vastly superior in the second set, which she won without conceding a game (6-0), and closed the match authoritatively in the third with a 6-3, putting Switzerland 1-0 up in the final. Under pressure, Poland found equality in the men's singles, where Hubert Hurkacz starred in a fluctuating match against the experienced Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss player, ranked 156th in the ATP rankings, started better and took the first set 6-3, taking advantage of some errors from the Pole. However, Hurkacz, ranked 83rd in the world, reacted in time, adjusted his serve and managed to level the score with a 6-3 in the second set. In the deciding set, the Pole maintained his solidity from the back of the court and closed the match with another 6-3, leaving the series tied 1-1 and moving the entire definition to the mixed doubles. In the decisive match, Katarzina Kawa and Jan Zielinski showed more cohesion and determination than the Swiss duo of Bencic and Jakub Paul. The Poles broke at key moments of the first set to win 6-4 and take a significant psychological advantage. In the second set, they maintained the intensity, were firm with their serve, and took advantage of their rivals' errors to seal the victory 6-3 and unleash the European team's celebration. The title represents a milestone for Polish tennis, which had been falling short of the championship in the two previous editions.
