'I'll be ready': Poland equipped for Australia assignment in United Cup quarters

(Getty/Robert Prange)

Australia will aim to carry their unbeaten streak at the United Cup into the knockouts when they take on two-time runners-up Poland in Sydney on Friday night.

Maya Joint will have an enormous task as she takes on Iga Świątek first up before Alex de Minaur takes on the in-form Hubert Hurkacz, who has not dropped a set in his matches against Alexander Zverev and Tallon Griekspoor.

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Hurkacz was wary of the de Minaur threat in press, but displayed a quiet confidence based on the strength of his form thus far in the tournament.

"Obviously, Alex has been very successful [in] past years. He's probably close or the highest ranking that he ever had. He's really quick, moves around the court incredibly well," he said.

"So it's going to be a good challenge, especially with the Aussie crowd. It's going to be a lot of fun, and I'm excited for the match."

Świątek also suggested that her match against Joint in Seoul last year would not have too much bearing on the match ahead.

"I played against Maya in Seoul, but every match is a different story. So I kind of know what her ball feels like, but obviously I'm pretty sure she also learned by also knowing how my ball feels like," the world No.2 said.

"So I will need to prepare tactically by watching the last matches that she played. I'll be ready."

Świątek, 24, said that being the underdog would give Joint a boost in the match and allow her to continue to improve her game as she progresses.

"Being an underdog and being this upcoming player with this freshness that you have, I think it's great. It's a moment where you improve your game the most," she said.

"So for sure, she's at that point of her career, and she's doing great. She also seems like a really intelligent and humble person, so that's also important in my opinion."

Interestingly, the six-time major champion hinted that she and Hurkacz may not play mixed doubles, even in the case of an eventual decider, with Jan Zieliński and Katarzyna Kawa unbeaten in their two matches (including a win over Alexander Zverev and Laura Siegemund).

"About mixed doubles, I think we'll think about it later on, like, after singles. We really have to focus on the first step now, and then we'll see," Świątek explained.

Meanwhile, based on their success against Czechia, it is likely that should the tie reach a deciding mixed doubles, Lleyton Hewitt will once again play Storm Hunter and Alex de Minaur.

The tie commences on Friday at 5:30pm AEDT at Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena.

The Kooyong Classic returns to the spiritual home of Australian tennis from January 13-15, 2026.

Each year, the Kooyong Classic features the world’s best players in their final preparation for the Australian Open. 

The 2026 event will feature Lorenzo Musetti, Alexander Bublik, Nick Kyrgios, Karen Khachanov, Flavio Cobolli, Frances Tiafoe, Learner Tien, Matteo Berrettini, Hubert Hurkacz, Marin Čilić and Zhang Zhizhen, alongside Donna Vekić and a special guest appearance Daniela Hantuchová. More to be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets on sale now through Ticketek/www.kooyongclassic.com.au

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