Poland returns to the United Cup quarterfinals | ATP Tour

United Cup

Poland returns to the United Cup quarterfinals

The 2024 runners-up came back from 0-1 in the series against the Czechs

January 01, 2025

Everything was decided in the mixed doubles match. And those in charge of winning it have been Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz thanks to winning 7-6(3), 6-3 against the Czechs Tomas Machac and Karolina Muchova to secure Poland’s first place in Group B and its classification to the quarterfinals of the United Cup.

Last year’s runners-up started by losing the series 0-1, so the Czech Republic was one more win away from winning the tie and a direct place in the quarterfinals. But once the series was tied, the Poles were unstoppable in the doubles duel.

Hurkacz hit the team’s eleventh ace in the match to emerge victorious after one hour and 25 minutes, and breaking the rival’s serve five times out of a possible 11.

Machac had ahead of the Czech Republic by winning 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 against Hurkacz in a great match lasting one hour and 55 minutes. Even winning six points less than his rival in the match, the No. 25 in the PIF ATP Rankings took the win.

“It was difficult from the beginning. I was a little tired from the match with Casper [Ruud]”said Machac, who lost to the Norwegian after almost three hours of battle. “Hubi is an incredible player. It is always a pleasure to share the court with him. In the end, he was simply struggling. I’m really happy with myself [juego] mental al final”.

However, world number 2 Swiatek leveled the series by defeating Muchova 6-3, 6-4. “Honestly, I love playing against Karolina because she always brings precision and intensity and a game that is a little different than most girls,” said the Pole. “So it’s certainly a challenge. “I’m happy that I increased my intensity even more in the last two games to break again.”

The former world number one sealed the victory with a winning volley after one hour and 56 minutes of play.

“Obviously, I knew what was at stake,” Swiatek said. “So in difficult moments I just tried to relax my hand and force myself not to change any movements because of any thoughts. “That’s the most important thing in tennis, trying to use your intuition as much as possible and I think I did that in the last few rallies for sure.”

Poland will now face the second best of all Sydney teams for a place in the semi-finals of the event.