By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, January 11, 2026Photo credit: United Cup Facebook
Two time runner-up Poland powered to prime Pole position in Sydney.
Jan Zielinski and Katarzyna Kawa swept Jakub Paul and Belinda Bencic 6-4, 6-3 clinching Poland’s 2-1 victory over Switzerland and maiden United Cup championship at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney tonight.
On its second championship point, Zielinski rocked a forehand return right at net player Bencic to set off the joyous Poland celebration.
After final losses to the United States last year and Germany two years ago, Poland was a team on a mission capturing the Cup with another powerful performance from Kawa and Zielinski, who defeated Coco Gauff and Christian Harrison to seal Poland’s 2-1 victory over the United States in the semifinals.
The mixed magic was set up by Hubert Hurkacz, who was sidelined for seven months last season and came back with roaring results to inspire his teammates this week.
“Oh my God we finally made it,” world No. 2 Iga Swiatek said on court. “Third time lucky, not lucky because we worked really hard. I wanted to thank our team because I feel it was such a team effort.
“I really felt the support even though my performance wasn’t perfect. Hubie, what a comeback after so many months. You played amazing, you inspired us all with determination and everything you showed us on court. It’s truly amazing. Our doubles team honestly, you just beat everyone. It was amazing the confidence the smile on your faces, really amazing job.”
A heroic Bencic staked Switzerland to a 1-0 lead with a 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 victory over Iga Swiatek. Bencic raised her United Cup singles record to 5-0 scoring her second straight three-set triumph following her win over Elise Mertens in the semifinals. Bencic basically carried Switzerland to this final, posting a 9-1 combined record in singles and mixed doubles with her lone loss coming tonight.
Bencic earned the United Cup Most Valuable Player honors for her exceptional effort.
“It’s so many emotions right now,” Bencic said. “First, congratulations to Team Poland. You played amazing and you deserved this so much.
“Congrats, to your team. Well done. Congrats to our team. It’s so bittersweet at this moment. It was truly, really one of the best weeks of my life and I’m really gonna remember this for sure.”
Enter Polish powerhouse Hubert Hurkacz to ignite Poland’s comeback.
Hurkacz hammered 18 aces in a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over 40-year-old Stan Wawrinka to level the tie at 1-all and force the decisive mixed doubles.
“Stan was [a] better player in the second set and I knew I was catching him towards the end,” Hurkacz said. “I was finding a better game and I knew I can raise my serve game and that gave me confidence.
“Also, from the baseline, I felt like I would get some chances and there would be some opportunities for me.”
Poland’s passion—and synchronized movement—were key components in this decisive mixed doubles win.
Poland led 5-4 when Bencic saved a set point with a high forehand volley down the line.
On its second set point, Kawa poached at the right time and angled off a slick backhand drop volley winner to close the opening set.
An empowered Poland immediately stretched its lead breaking Paul to take a 1-0 second-set lead.
The second-set turning point came when Kawa and Paul went toe-to-toe in a riveting backhand exchange. Kawa boldly stood her ground forcing a netted backhand as Poland extended its lead to 3-1.
Bencic held to put Switzerland to within 3-4.
On its second championship point, Zielinski jumped on a Paul second serve and rocked a forehand return right at Bencic to clinch the victory and incite Poland’s long-awaited United Cup championship celebration.
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