PERTH (AFP) – Top-ranked Poland overpowered China yesterday, with Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek propelling them into the United Cup semi-finals with a singles sweep.
The pair of straight-set victories in Perth put the tie out of reach and sent the Poles into a clash against either Norway or France in Sydney.
Adrian Mannarino and Caroline Garcia had earlier pushed France into a last eight tie against the Norwegians with victory over Italy.
Hurkacz secured a clinical 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Zhang Zhizhen before world number one Swiatek followed up, winning nine games on the trot at one point to beat Zheng Qinwen 6-2, 6-3 despite losing serve twice.
Swiatek was eager to get to Sydney as the first nation to qualify for the semi-finals of the 18-nation mixed team tournament.
“Bondi Beach here we come,” she said, after swatting aside Zheng who was the 2023 WTA Most Improved Player. “I’m looking forward to a day off.
“I’m really happy with my game, and also how the atmosphere in the team is,” added Swiatek.
“I really feel like we can just be better when we’re together, so for sure playing (with Hurkacz) is an exciting thing to do, and I’m real happy with every match that I play here.”
Hurkacz fired 10 aces as he dismissed Chinese number one Zhang.
“It’s always a tough match with him. He can play some amazing shots,” the winner said.
Novak Djokovic-led Serbia will take on Australia in Perth to join Poland in the last four.
