Final preview: Hubert Hurkacz, Iga Swiatek look at United Cup success vs. Switzerland ATP Tour
ATP Tour
Final preview: Hurkacz, the success of the United Cup of Swiatek iso vs. Switzerland
Poland will compete in the final of the United Cup for the third time in a row (0-2)
January 10, 2026
TENNIS AUSTRALIA
Hubert Hurkacz leads Stan Wawrinka 1-0 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series.
Written by Jerome Coombe
Will it be third time lucky for Team Poland as they enter the United Cup final in Sydney on Sunday?
Led by Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek, two-time runners-up faced Team Switzerland with the new champion confirmed. The Swiss fielded Belinda Bencic, who was flawless in both singles and mixed doubles, with playing captain Stan Wawrinka providing leadership and experience for the three-time major champion’s final season on Tour.
Proceedings at the Ken Rosewall Arena begin at 5:30 pm with Bencic taking on Swiatek, before Wawrinka takes on Hurkacz. The Pole won his only Lexus ATP Head2Head encounter, which came at the United Cup in 2023.
A message from your winners 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AzXPYLBove
– United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 10, 2026
Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, holds a 5-1 advantage in going head-to-head with Bencic, although the Swiss has been in encouraging form throughout the tournament in Sydney and Perth. Unbeaten in four singles, the 28-year-old – mother of 21-month-old daughter Bella – has been the mainstay of her team, while Swiatek will be eager to respond after her straight-sets semi-final loss to Coco Gauff.
“Stan pushes me in my singles, then he tries to push himself in his song, then he pushes us over the line and it’s mixed,” said Bencic playing captain Wawrinka. “I don’t know what to say. It’s just amazing.”
Wawrinka faces a tough task against the powerful Hurkacz, especially on his return. The 40-year-old has worked just once in his four starts and is leaning towards a more defensive game plan, picking up one win. Hurkacz, in contrast, dished out 77 aces en route to the final.
“It will be a good game against Stan,” said Hurkacz. “He’s shown amazing tennis throughout this tournament. It’s obviously his last year on Tour. It’s really inspiring to see him play, to watch him compete. It’s going to be an exciting challenge. A lot of positive emotions. We’re very happy to be in the finals again.”
After being sidelined for seven months, Hurkacz looked sharp in Sydney. The former No. 6 player in the PIF ATP Rankings has already managed to defeat Top 10 opponents Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz, who met him in the final break to defend his United Cup title last year.
Since both teams are evenly matched, the final may depend on mixed doubles. Switzerland’s Bencic and Jakub Paul are unbeaten in four matches, while Poland’s Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski boast the same record.
