January 4, 2025
Iga Swiatek sealed the win for Poland over Great Britain at the United Cup quarterfinals, boosting last year’s runner-up into Saturday’s final four with a 6-7(4) 6-1, 6-4 win over Katie Boulter.
On the heels of Hubert Hurkacz’s 7-6(3), 7-5 opening win over Billy Harris, Swiatek’s victory secured Poland an insurmountable 2-0 lead.
“This match was crazy,” Swiatek said. “So many changes of momentum. I thought I had it under control in the first set but for sure I got tight and I didn’t work on it. I didn’t want to repeat the mistake in the third.”
Poland will face Kazakhstan for a spot in its second straight United Cup final. Last year, Poland held championship points before losing to Germany.
In the first career meeting between Swiatek and Boulter, No.24 Boulter stood toe-to-toe with Swiatek from the baseline. She matched the former No.1 in pace and power in the first set. The United Cup has consistently brought out the best from Boulter, who scored the first Top 5 win of her career last year against Jessica Pegula in group play.
But the stakes were higher on Thursday night at Ken Rosewall Arena, where Great Britain came in as a heavy underdog against the experienced Polish side, which advanced to its third straight United Cup semifinal.
Earlier, Hurkacz clawed past Billy Harris 7-6(3), 7-5 to give Poland the early 1-0 lead. Hurkacz walked into Ken Rosewall Arena having lost both of his singles matches in Group B action. But the United Cup veteran, who has competed in the mixed-teams event in all three editions, was cool under pressure against tournament newcomer Harris.
© Copyrights Sixsports. All Rights Reserved.