Poland captures first United Cup title with decisive mixed doubles victory, despite Swiatek’s loss
Team Poland defeated Switzerland 2-1 to secure their maiden United Cup trophy after falling short in the previous two finals. The historic victory was sealed in the mixed doubles by Jan Zielinski and Katarzyna Kawa,
Poland, United Cup 2026 | © Getty Images / Tennis Australia
Third time was the charm for Team Poland. After years of heartbreak on the final stage, the Polish squad finally captured the United Cup trophy Sunday, defeating Switzerland 2-1 in a high-stakes final at Ken Rosewall Arena.
The victory marks a historic milestone for Polish tennis, banishing the ghosts of consecutive runner-up finishes in 2024 and 2025. The title was secured by the doubles specialist duo of Jan Zielinski and Katarzyna Kawa, who defeated Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul 6-4, 6-3 in the deciding mixed doubles rubber.
“We’re really happy. It’s been our third final,” said Polish captain Mateusz Terczynski. “It really tastes sweet, especially with such a nice team here, everyone sticking together, supporting each other no matter what.”
A Week of Polish Resilience
Poland’s path to the 2026 title was defined by consistency and a deeper roster than in previous years. Throughout the week, the team dominated Group F in Perth before moving to Sydney, taking down heavyweights including a revenge-fueled semifinal victory over the defending champion United States.
However, the final got off to a rocky start for the favorites. Belinda Bencic, continuing a sensational 9-0 run across singles and doubles this week, stunned World No. 2 Iga Swiatek 3-6, 6-0, 6-3. Swiatek, who had looked invincible early in the set, suffered a rare second-set “bagel” and struggled with 36 unforced errors.
“I wasn’t feeling so sharp with movements and with my legs,” Swiatek admitted in the post-match press conference. “Belinda is a very aggressive player when she gets in the zone… credit to her because she was pretty brave.”
Hurkacz’s Heroic Return
With Poland’s back against the wall, Hubert Hurkacz provided the spark of the tournament. Playing in his first event after a seven-month injury layoff following knee surgery, Hurkacz battled past 40-year-old Swiss legend Stan Wawrinka—who announced this will be his final season—with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory.
The win leveled the tie and reaffirmed Hurkacz’s status as a top contender heading into the Australian Open. “To win that trophy, it tastes incredible,” Hurkacz said. “I think it’s really unique and amazing we showed how strong we are as a Polish country in tennis.”
Doubles Dominance
While the stars drew the headlines, the title was won by the technical precision of the doubles court. Jan Zielinski and Katarzyna Kawa remained undefeated throughout the entire competition. Kawa’s aggressive net play, highlighted by a sharp instinctual volley to seal the first set of the final, proved too much for the Swiss pair.
“I’m not going to comment at all on the mixed doubles at the US Open anymore,” said a defiant Zielinski, referencing past criticisms of his doubles standing. “There was nothing to prove… it was about playing for the team, playing for the country, and lifting the trophy together.”
The team also traveled with an unofficial mascot: a stuffed flamingo named “Flammie.” “He migrates for the summer in Australia, then he goes back,” Zielinski joked as the team prepared to head to Melbourne.
As the focus shifts to the Australian Open, Poland leaves Sydney as champions. For Swiatek and Hurkacz, the “soreness” of the team event is a price worth paying for a maiden United Cup crown.
