Poland finally broke their United Cup duck on Sunday, defeating a strong Swiss team in the 2026 final.
Poland, two-time finalists, were led by Iga Swiatek and a resurgent Hubert Hurkacz in Australia.
After beating the defending champions – the USA – in the semi-finals, the Polish team faced a Swiss squad boasting three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka and former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic.
Iga Swiatek’s struggles continued as she was beaten by Bencic in the opening rubber, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3. However, Hurkacz saved the Polish squad, defeating Wawrinka 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
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In the deciding tie, Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zieliński defeated Bencic and Jakub Paul 6-4, 6-3.
Iga Swiatek reacts to Poland’s United Cup triumph
Poland’s United Cup triumph has been a long time coming.
Two years ago, Hubert Hurkacz had championship points against Alexander Zverev before losing in three sets.
A year later, the Polish team again lost in the final, this time at the hands of USA.
This year, the champions in waiting ended their long wait for the title, and Iga Swiatek could not contain her excitement in a post on Instagram.
“You know what they say—third time’s the charm! And we did it!,” Swiatek said.
“Being part of a team is what it was all about! There’s something truly special about knowing someone has your back, even when things get a bit tough.
“I couldn’t have asked for better teammates: Katarzyna Kawa, Jan Zieliński, Hubert Hurkacz, Kasia Piter, Daniel Michalski, and our support system, thank you for an amazing time.
“So grateful for all of our wonderful supporters here in Sydney and back home – trust me, we could all feel that you have our back!”
Swiatek will now look ahead to the Australian Open; a tournament she is yet to win.
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Will Iga Swiatek complete the career Grand Slam?
A player completes the career Grand Slam when they win all four Grand Slam events.
In tennis history, nine women have completed the career Grand Slam; the latest being Maria Sharapova, who achieved the feat in 2012 after winning her first French Open title.
Swiatek, a winner of six Grand Slam titles, is only missing the Australian Open from her Grand Slam collection.
Swiatek has reached the semi-finals twice before; the most recent occasion being in 2025. Swiatek was defeated by eventual champion Madison Keys in the last four.
Swiatek will need to correct her form heading into the 2026 event. The Polish star has lost two matches before competing at the Australian Open for the first time in her career.
These losses both occurred at the United Cup: against Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic.
