Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek arrive in the United Cup semi-finals with a point to prove on Saturday in Sydney.
Last year in the final, Taylor Fritz struck late in a deciding-set tie-break to clinch the title for Team USA after Coco Gauff had earlier beaten Swiatek — spoiling Poland’s bid for the trophy. If Hurkacz and Swiatek can exact revenge this time, they’ll ensure a new name is engraved on the trophy on Sunday.
In the first tie of the day, three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka will aim to add another memorable chapter to the early part of his farewell season when Team Switzerland meets Team Belgium. Belinda Bencic, unbeaten in singles and in mixed doubles, faces Elise Mertens before Wawrinka tackles Zizou Bergs later in the tie.
Your final four are confirmed 🤝
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 9, 2026
What a day we have in store! Who do you think is going through to the final? pic.twitter.com/catClF5jfr
USA vs. Poland [5:30 p.m.]
The opening match of this tie pits two former WTA Finals winners and rivals — Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff — against each other, with Swiatek looking to extend her perfect 3-0 run at this year’s United Cup.
Swiatek has been a standout for Poland, producing authoritative singles wins and helping her side reach the semis for the fourth consecutive edition. While Gauff suffered defeat to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the group stage, she has been central to the United States’ defence of its title.
Fritz and Hurkacz will then renew their rivalry in a match loaded with narrative. Fritz holds a 4-2 Lexus ATP Head2Head lead, while Hurkacz has been a constant threat this week following his return from knee surgery, producing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets with a straight-sets victory over World No. 3 Alexander Zverev.
With both teams brimming with firepower and history, this tie carries a strong revenge theme: Swiatek and Hurkacz aiming to overturn past disappointment against American foes who lifted the trophy in Sydney last season.
Switzerland vs. Belgium [10 a.m.]
Bencic has been the driving force behind Switzerland’s run, remaining unbeaten across three singles matches and partnering Jakub Paul for three mixed doubles victories — two of them in decisive rubbers. The 28-year-old will look to level her rivalry with Elise Mertens, who claimed their only previous meeting, though Bencic is well aware the tie could once again hinge on the mixed doubles.
“He's a great doubles player right now,” Bencic said of Paul. “I knew how good he can play. It's more impressive on the court. He's definitely helping me so much. Stan is, of course, coaching us great. We have great energy on the court.”
Wawrinka, who logged more than seven-and-a-half hours in Perth (one win, two losses), opted for another rest day on Friday after arriving in Sydney. With extreme heat forecast, the tie has been moved forward by 30 minutes to a 10 a.m. start, and the 40-year-old will need to be fully refreshed for his clash with Bergs.
“It’s going to be really hot and humid,” Wawrinka told ATPTour.com in Sydney. “The positive thing is that there’s a roof, so the sun is not going to be directly on us. We expect some really tough conditions, but we are ready for it. It’s going to be the same for us and Belgium, and I think it’s going to be a big fight.”
Bergs is full of confidence after straight-sets victories over World No. 5 Felix Auger-Aliassime and No. 18 Jakub Mensik en route to the semi-finals, marking the first time in his career he has defeated Top 20 opponents in back-to-back matches.
