Third time lucky! Poland wins deciding mixed doubles to win United Cup over Switzerland

After finishing as runner-up at the United Cup in each of the last two seasons, Poland finally came good on Sunday in a thrilling final by defeating Switzerland by a slim 2-1 margin.

The breakout mixed doubles pair of Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski defeated Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul 6-4, 6-3 to give Poland the victory, after the country was previously beaten by Germany in the 2024 final and by the United States last year.

Earlier in singles, Bencic upset Iga Swiatek before Hubert Hurkacz defeated Stan Wawrinka, both in three sets.

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In a reversal of their match from Wimbledon last summer, their most recent meeting, Bencic rallied from a set down to stun Swiatek emphatically 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, but Hurkacz sent the tie to doubles with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 over Hubert Hurkacz.

But Poland's decision to stick with two-time mixed doubles Grand Slam champion Zielinski and Kawa, who has won five WTA 125 titles in doubles, paid off. The duo finished 5-0 in mixed doubles for the tournament,

In the first set, Kawa had a match-altering set point volley at the net on 40-40 deciding point leading 5-4.

"I think it always pays off when you're brave on the important points, especially in doubles," Kawa said to reporters. "It was like instinct decision. I just went for it. Yeah, I'm really happy that we sealed this set and we were able to get this match won."

Bencic was nonetheless tabbed tournament MVP behind a sparkling 9-1 record, a moment she called "bittersweet."

"We did the best we could. I think we went beyond our expectations," she said.

And for Hurkacz, who missed the second half of last season due to knee surgery, the win was doubly special.

"It's really incredible I think obviously personally but also massive day for Poland, for Polish tennis," he said. "I think it's really unique and amazing we showed how strong we are as a Polish country in tennis. To win that trophy, it tastes incredible. As you mentioned, we came very close two times. Yeah, this just feels amazing. "