Poland break new ground as United Cup finalists

Iga Swiatek turned her form around after dropping her first set of the tournament as the world No. 1 led Poland into the final of the United Cup on Saturday.

The Sydney semi-final showdown which produced the unbeatable 2-0 scoreline over France, was achieved as Hubert Hurkacz threw down 15 aces to defeat Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 7-5 to open.

Swiatek then struggled briefly, but finished the job on court 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 over Caroline Garcia.

The 22-year-old Pole was put in an unusual position as she dropped the opening set to her French opponent, but quickly stopped the rot by sweeping the second and third sets.

The top-seeded Poles, semi-finalists here a year ago to the US, will await a Sunday final opponent as Germany and Australia clash later in the semi-finals.

“The match was not easy, there was a lot of tension,” Swiatek said. “I was able to come back and not make so many errors like I did in the first set.

“She put me under pressure, I’m happy to be in the final.”

Swiatek added: “I can’t say what changed after the first set, I guess I needed to calm a bit and watch the ball a bit more.

“My timing was off but I adjusted. Playing with a lead from Hubi made things easier for me.”