Hubert Hurkacz stuns Alexander Zverev, Iga Swiatek wins the United Cup against Poland | ATP tour | Tennis

United Cup

Hurkacz stuns Zverev, Swiatek wins the United Cup of Poland

Poland beats Germany in the 2024 championship rematch
January 5, 2026

Hubert Hurkacz stunned Alexander Zverev in Sydney on Monday night, before Iga Swiatek recovered from a set and a breakdown to beat the rapidly improving Eva Lys to complete Poland’s eventual 3-0 victory against Germany in the United Cup.

After missing nearly seven months due to a right knee injury for which he underwent arthroscopic surgery on July 2, Hurkacz made a statement announcing his return to action. The 28-year-old upset world number 3 Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-4 to give his country the lead.

“It’s been a while since I took part. For seven months I went through some tough times with the team and it was quite a challenge,” Hurkacz said. “They all supported me, they all had my back. We definitely went through a long period of not competing and not knowing when we [would] be able to get back on the track. I just tried to cherish and enjoy every moment here on the field.”

Hurkacz had not played a match in ‘s-Hertogenbosch since June, leading to a drop to number 83 in the PIF ATP rankings. But the former world number 6 played well above his rankings at the Ken Rosewall Arena, conceding just one break point in his one hour and 23 minute win.

The two-time Nitto ATP Finals participant held up well under pressure against Zverev, beautifully guiding a backhand down the line to secure the critical break at 3-3 in the second set. Hurkacz only conceded one break point in the match and hit 21 aces, according to Infosys ATP Stats, giving his opponent few opportunities to work his way to points.

“I served pretty well. I found nice spots, so that’s definitely a nice feeling to really have a good rhythm while serving,” Hurkacz said. “Just so happy with the performance and just so nice to see the fans again.”

Zverev walked onto the court with a 3-1 Lexus ATP Head2Head series lead against Hurkacz, but failed to consistently make Hurkacz uncomfortable as he did against Dutchman Tallon Greekpoor on Sunday.

Swiatek then had to overcome an inspired effort from Lys before securing the decisive break in the 10th game of the final set to seal a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win in just under two and a half hours.

Lys had not won more than two games in any of the six previous sets she had played against Swiatek. The German, who recorded a victory over Suzan Lamens of the Netherlands in her opening match in the United Cup, looked set for a major setback after leading 3-1 in the second set. The six-time major champion then made her comeback.

Swiatek won five games in a row to claim the second set 6–3 and broke again to go up 3–1 in the third. Just when the momentum seemed to be decisively in the Pole’s favor, Lys broke back to level the final set at 3-3.

The second serve proved decisive. Swiatek won 52 percent of her second-serve points, compared to 39 percent for Lys, while the two players were nearly tied in first-serve points, with Swiatek at 54 percent and Lys at 53 percent.

Swiatek’s United Cup record is now 12-2 and this was her 31st win in her past 32 matches against players ranked outside the Top 40. This tie was a rematch of the 2024 United Cup Final.

In the mixed doubles, Poland’s Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski defeated Laura Siegemund and Zverev 7-6(6), 6-3.