United Cup SF Preview: USA vs Poland, Belgium vs Switzerland | ATP tour | Tennis

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United Cup SF Preview: USA vs Poland, Belgium vs Switzerland

If Poland beats the US, a new winner will be engraved on the trophy on Sunday
January 9, 2026

Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek reach the semi-finals of the United Cup with a point to prove in Sydney on Saturday.

Last year in the final, Taylor Fritz struck late in a decisive tie-break to clinch the title for Team USA after Coco Gauff had earlier defeated Swiatek, spoiling Poland’s bid for the trophy. If Hurkacz and Swiatek can get revenge this time, they will ensure that a new name is engraved on the trophy on Sunday.

In the first match of the day, three-time champion Stan Wawrinka will look to add another memorable chapter to the first part of his farewell season when Team Switzerland meets Team Belgium. Belinda Bencic, unbeaten in singles and mixed doubles, faces Elise Mertens before Wawrinka tackles Zizou Bergs later in the draw.

Your final four are confirmed 🤝

What a day we have in store! Who do you think will advance to the final? pic.twitter.com/catClF5jfr

— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 9, 2026

USA vs Poland [5:30 p.m.]
The opening match of this tie sees two former WTA Finals winners and rivals – Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff – go head-to-head, with Swiatek looking to extend her perfect 3-0 run at this year’s United Cup.

Swiatek was a standout performer for Poland, recording authoritative victories in the singles and helping her side reach the semi-finals for the fourth edition in a row. While Gauff suffered a group stage defeat to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, she played a pivotal role in the United States’ defense of the title.

Fritz and Hurkacz will then renew their rivalry in a match full of stories. Fritz holds a 4-2 Lexus ATP Head2Head lead, while Hurkacz has been a constant threat this week after returning from knee surgery, pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament with a straight-sets victory over world number 3 Alexander Zverev.

With both teams packed with firepower and history, this match has a strong revenge theme as Swiatek and Hurkacz look to undo past disappointment against American foes who lifted the trophy in Sydney last season.

Switzerland vs Belgium [10 a.m.]
Bencic is the driving force behind Switzerland’s success. He went undefeated in three singles matches and teamed with Jakub Paul for three mixed doubles wins, two of which came in decisive rubbers. The 28-year-old will look to emulate her rivalry with Elise Mertens, who claimed their only previous meeting, although 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 well he can play. It’s more impressive on the field. He definitely helps me a lot. Stan obviously coaches us great. We have a lot of energy on the field.”

Wawrinka, who recorded more than seven and a half hours in Perth (one win, two losses), opted for another day of rest after arriving in Sydney. Due to the expected extreme heat, the match has been pushed back by 30 minutes to the 10am start, and the 40-year-old will need to be fully refreshed for his clash with Bergs.

“It’s going to be very hot and humid,” Wawrinka told ATPTour.com in Sydney. “The positive thing is that there is a roof, so the sun is not shining directly on us. We expect very tough conditions, but we are ready for it. It will be the same for us and for Belgium, and I think it will be a big fight.”

Bergs is confident after wins in straight sets over world number 5 Felix Auger-Aliassime and number 18 Jakub Mensik on his way to the semi-finals. This is the first time in his career that he has defeated Top 20 opponents in consecutive matches.