'Tastes really sweet': Third time lucky for Poland to clinch United Cup title

(Getty/Brett Hemmings)

After two heartbreaking losses in the final in 2023 and 2024, Team Poland has finally sealed victory in the United Cup, with Hubert Hurkacz and the doubles team of Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zieliński winning their matches to give Poland the win over Switzerland.

In the first match, Belinda Bencic took on Iga Świątek, with the Polish star taking the first set before Bencic fought back with vengeance to take the second set 6-0.

Bencic kept the momentum in the third set, giving Świątek no opportunities to break and dominating baseline rallies on the Świątek serve to give Switzerland the early advantage.

"Belinda is a very aggressive player when she gets in the zone. She can really hit amazing shots, not miss a lot. I think it was a mix of that. Also, credit to her because she was, yeah, pretty brave with taking the risk and everything," said Świątek.

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Stan Wawrinka then faced Hubert Hurkacz, with the latter taking the first set as Wawrinka came out a little flat.

At the beginning of the second set, Wawrinka began to hype up the crowd, who responded spectacularly, encouraging Wawrinka to play his absolute best tennis with the combination of lobs, touch and glorious backhands, giving him the second set.

Despite some highlight reel tennis in the third set, Wawrinka lost a little bit of focus, with Hurkacz remaining solid to take the win.

"I'm trying to mix a lot, to be powerful from baseline. Was not enough today. He's a great player. He's tough to beat. Never easy," admitted Wawrinka. "I think the level in general was a very high level. I'm happy with it. Always difficult to lose. That's the thing."

For the doubles, both teams went with their unbeaten pairings, with Poland fielding Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zieliński while Switzerland paired Bencic with Jakub Paul. This was a rare occasion where doubles specialists were centre stage at the pinnacle of a major tournament, with three players arguably playing in the biggest match of their lives; it was a question of who would blink first.

As in their previous matches, Zieliński and Kawa lit up the crowd with some sparkling tennis, while Bencic and Paul did not quite meet the highs of their previous matches, with some costly errors as the Polish team saved their best tennis for the pivotal moments.

Zieliński closed out the match with a huge forehand return, which Bencic could not volley.

"I think it always pays off when you're brave on the important points, especially in doubles. It was like instinct decision. I just went for it. I'm really happy that we sealed this set and we were able to get this match won," said Kawa.

"I was proud to represent Poland, as always. I've always said it. It was about playing for the team, playing for the country, and lifting the trophy together that we felt like it was a long time coming for us," added Zieliński.

For Poland, victory was particularly special given their heart-wrenching losses in the past two years.

"We're really happy. It's been our third final. It really tastes really sweet, especially with such a nice team here, everyone sticking together, supporting each other no matter what. It was a really team effort. I just want to thank everyone. We are super happy, said captain Mateusz Terczynski.

For the Swiss team, it was still a positive week, with Bencic praising both Paul and Wawrinka for their support during the week.

"More than MVP, [Belinda] has been leading this team since day one. She's been amazing on the court and also off the court," shared Wawrinka. "We all would like to thank you, Belinda, for everything you're doing to help us being a better tennis player and outside. I know how difficult it is, but you show us again today what a big champion you are. Thank you very much.

Bencic added: "Now I think in the end there's always bittersweet emotions if you lose in the final. We did the best we could. I think we went beyond our expectations. Thanks so much for the nice words [Wawrinka]. It really means so much, especially from you, because I think you're the real champion, and we're learning so much from you.

"Also, [Jakub Paul], he just led every mixed doubles. We won almost all of them. I think he deserves a big, big, big thank you. You can be extremely proud of yourself, how you handled everything, especially under pressure. Thanks so much. It was a pleasure playing with you."

"It's just amazing what [Bencic] does on court. It's so much fun playing with you. Thank you for everything," added Paul.

As the United Cup draws to a close for its fourth season, it is quite clear that this has been the most successful. For the players, the focus now shifts to Melbourne for the highly-anticipated first major of the year.

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, Priscilla Hon and a special guest appearance by Daniela Hantuchová.

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

Hospitality packages can be viewed on the Kooyong Classic website 

Contact: info@kooyongclassic.com.au.