United Cup
Hurkacz powers past Fritz, Swiatek can seal Poland’s United Cup final spot

Hurkacz has earned three straight-sets victories in Sydney

January 10, 2026

AFP/Getty Images

Hubert Hurkacz defeats Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals of the United Cup Saturday evening in Sydney.
By ATP Staff

Hubert Hurkacz has put Poland on the doorstep of the United Cup final.

The Polish star continued a dream start to his comeback with a 7-6(1), 7-6(2) win against Taylor Fritz. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek will now try to close out the tie against World No. 4 Coco Gauff in a blockbuster showdown inside Ken Rosewall Arena.

“Obviously playing Taylor is such a big challenge and it’s a very difficult match, especially this court, it’s quite fast. He’s serving very powerfully. Also, his forehand is really big, so if you leave anything short, he’s going to come after it,” Hurkacz told ATP No. 1 Club Jim Courier. “I felt like I played actually quite solid myself. I tried to be more aggressive. Actually during my time off I was watching some of my past matches and I was listening to your commentary. It’s a good help for players, as well!”

Hurkacz entered the mixed-teams event uncertain exactly what to expect after missing seven months due to a knee injury that required surgery. But in his first action since June of last year, the former No. 6 player in the PIF ATP Rankings has played dominant, big-serving tennis to help his country to the brink of the championship match against Switzerland.

The 28-year-old has now beaten Alexander Zverev, Tallon Griekspoor and Fritz in Sydney, claiming all three of those victories in straight sets. Hurkacz saved the two break points he faced against Fritz, which doubled as set points at 4-5 in the opening set, to earn the lead for his country in one hour and 35 minutes.

“Definitely pleasantly surprised in a way because I haven’t played in such a long time. In seven months, [this is] my first tournament. So coming back from such a long period the first time in my life, you never know what to expect,” Hurkacz said. “On the other hand, I was putting so much work outside of the court so, I give myself time to get back to my level, to an even better level and maybe a little bit less expectations coming into this week helped as well.”

Fritz led Hurkacz 4-2 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series as they stepped on court in sweltering heat, including two previous wins at the United Cup. But the Pole and his booming serve proved too much for the American.

Fritz’s biggest opportunity came with two set points in hand on Hurkacz’s serve, but the Pole wiped out those chances with huge serves. Hurkacz hit a critical backhand passing shot early in each of the two tie-breaks to take the lead and surged from there.

The winner of the second semi-final tie will face Switzerland, led by playing captain Stan Wawrinka and Belinda Bencic, Sunday in the final.