SYDNEY – Poland returned to the semifinals of the United Cup mixed team tournament for the third straight year after hard-fought singles victories handed it an unassailable 2-0 lead over Britain in Sydney on Thursday.
“I’m just exhausted,” Swiatek said after the nearly three-hour marathon at Ken Rosewall Arena. “I’m happy that I won, so that I don’t need to play mixed doubles. This match was crazy, so many changes of momentum.”
Swiatek squandered a 4-1 lead in the opening set, which her opponent clinched in 74 minutes after an inspired comeback.
But the world No. 2 was not to be denied as she romped through the second set and shrugged off a right leg issue in the decider to outlast Boulter.
“I thought I had it under control in the first set, but I got tight,” Swiatek said. “I didn’t want to repeat the same mistake in the third, and I took four pain killers.
“A lot hurt, but I’m happy that I won and, for sure I’m going to need the day off tomorrow.
“If they give me space to lie down (in the dugout) I’ll take a nap … I think I’ll just go to the locker and die.”
Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz clinched a tight opening set when Billy Harris sent a backhand long in the tiebreak and then raised his game late in the second set to seal a 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 victory to put his team ahead 1-0 in front of delighted fans.
“Definitely super pleased with myself,” Hurkacz said after his first singles win of the tournament.
“Today was a really difficult battle with Billy … This win is so crucial to get more confidence and get another match in.”
The United States, the 2023 champion, has already reached the semifinals and face the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal clash between Italy and the Czech Republic.
The final takes place on Sunday.
