In a nail-biting encounter, Poland secured their place in the United Cup semifinals after a hard-fought victory over Great Britain. Iga Świątek's comeback win against Katie Boulter, following Hubert Hurkacz's earlier triumph over Billy Harris, ensured Poland's advancement. The match was characterized by intense rallies and dramatic shifts in momentum. Świątek's resilience and adaptability were on full display as she turned around a challenging first set loss to clinch the match in three sets. Meanwhile, Hurkacz's steady performance provided the crucial early lead for Poland.

Świątek's Comeback Secures Polish Dominance

The pivotal moment came when Iga Świątek rebounded from a tough first set to dominate the subsequent two sets against Katie Boulter. Despite an initial setback, Świątek showcased remarkable composure and tactical adjustments to reverse the tide of the match. Her ability to maintain focus under pressure proved decisive, ultimately securing Poland's unassailable lead. The physical toll on Boulter also played a role, allowing Świątek to capitalize on her opponent's fatigue.

The contest between Świątek and Boulter was marked by fluctuating fortunes. Świątek initially surged ahead with a commanding 4-1 lead in the first set but faltered as Boulter's aggressive baseline play began to take effect. Boulter's backhand became a key weapon, forcing Świątek into errors and eventually leading to a tiebreak win. However, Świątek regrouped in the second set, winning it convincingly 6-1. In the final set, despite facing an early break point, Świątek demonstrated incredible resilience, winning eight consecutive points to regain control. The match culminated in a tense finale where both players displayed their best tennis, but Świątek's precision and mental strength prevailed.

Hurkacz Delivers Crucial Opening Win

Hubert Hurkacz's victory over Billy Harris set the tone for Poland's dominant performance. His steady play and ability to handle pressure were instrumental in securing the early advantage. Despite losing his previous singles matches in Group B, Hurkacz rose to the occasion, delivering a composed and effective performance. His success underscored his experience and adaptability in high-stakes matches, providing a significant morale boost for the Polish team.

Hurkacz's match against Harris was a battle of serve dominance. Both players exhibited strong serving skills, but Hurkacz's ability to save all three break points he faced and win 88% of his first-serve points was critical. Harris, ranked 125th, put up a formidable fight but faltered at key moments. Missing crucial shots in the first set and at 5-5 in the second allowed Hurkacz to seize the initiative. This win not only marked Hurkacz's 150th tour-level hard-court victory but also highlighted his impressive record against lower-ranked opponents at the United Cup. His performance exemplified the importance of mental fortitude and consistency in competitive tennis.