Swiatek, Hurkacz lead Poland to United Cup final with a victory over Kazakhstan

Five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, aged 23, secured a victory over Elena Rybakina in straight sets, propelling Poland into the final of the mixed-teams United Cup on Saturday against Kazakhstan.

The previous year's finalists will compete for the title in Sydney on Sunday against either a United States team led by Coco Gauff or the Czech Republic.

"This victory fills me with pride," Swiatek remarked after defeating Rybakina with scores of 7-6, 6-4, thereby granting Poland an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the tie.

This performance served as a significant declaration from the world number two, especially with the first major tournament of the year commencing on January 12.

"It serves as excellent preparation for the Australian Open," the Polish player stated.

Swiatek continued to play with strapping on her right thigh, having faced challenges in her arduous three-set match against Britain's Katie Boulter in the quarter-finals.

That encounter extended nearly three hours, and Swiatek initially struggled against Rybakina, who is currently ranked sixth globally.

The first set proceeded to a tiebreak after Rybakina successfully saved two set points, but the 23-year-old Polish athlete ultimately surged ahead to secure her nation's place in the final.

"I certainly did not start well and felt somewhat restrained. I recognized the need to shift the momentum," Swiatek explained.

"I resolved to avoid further mistakes. It was undoubtedly challenging, as it always is against Elena."

Earlier, Hubert Hurkacz set the stage for Poland by defeating Alexander Shevchenko with a score of 6-3, 6-2 in the men's singles.

Ranked 16th, Hurkacz had previously lost both his singles matches in group play but gained confidence after defeating Britain's Billy Harris in the quarter-finals, which he carried into his match against Shevchenko.

"The last match here provided me with a boost of confidence, and I have been improving with each subsequent match," Hurkacz noted.

The United States will face the Czech Republic in the other semi-final later on Saturday.