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De Minaur Forces Decider vs Poland, Swiatek Dominates in United Cup Clash

Alex de Minaur secured a crucial three-set victory over Hubert Hurkacz to keep Australia alive, forcing the United Cup quarterfinal tie against Poland to be decided by a mixed doubles match. Earlier, world No. 2 Iga Swiatek delivered a dominant 6-1, 6-1 win over Australian Maya Joint in just 57 minutes. The winner of the decisive mixed doubles will advance to face defending champion the United States in the semi-finals. Organizers have moved Saturday's session start times forward due to forecast high temperatures in Sydney.

Key Points: United Cup: Australia vs Poland Quarterfinal Goes to Mixed Doubles

  • De Minaur saves 9 break points
  • Swiatek wins in 57 minutes
  • Quarterfinal spot to be decided in mixed doubles
  • Schedule changed due to hot weather
2 min read

United Cup: De Minaur, Swiatek win as Poland on verge of quarterfinals

Alex de Minaur defeats Hubert Hurkacz to force a deciding mixed doubles tie after Iga Swiatek's win. See who advances to face the USA.

"He saved all nine break points he faced across his first four service games - ATP reports on De Minaur"

Sydney, Jan 9

Australia's Alex de Minaur registered a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win over Poland's Hubert Hurkacz and sent the last United Cup quarterfinal to a deciding mixed doubles tie in Sydney on Friday. The World No. 6 saved all nine break points he faced across his first four service games - including four in the second game of the match - to keep Australia alive after world No. 2 Iga Swiatek rising star Maya Joint in straight sets.

The tie will now be decided by the mixed doubles, with the winner advancing to Saturday night's semi-final against defending champion the United States.

Playing his first tournament since last year's grass season, Hurkcaz was near untouchable in his first three service games when he dropped just one point on serve. But growing increasingly frustrated by his inability to cash in on his chances in return games, his unforced error count ticked up in the closing stages of the set, ATP reports.

After De Minaur saved three break points to level at 4-4, the 26-year-old claimed the decisive break and then won 21 consecutive points on serve before unexpectedly dropping serve at the end of the second set. He then broke early in the third set to underpin his eighth victory in 11 United Cup singles appearances.

Earlier, Swiatek registered a 6-1, 6-1 win over Joint in just 57 minutes. The Aussie rising star held serve to have an initial 1-0 lead, but the six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek controlled the rallies, often forcing Joint to scramble from side to side just to keep the rally alive," WTA reports.

In the second, Swiatek and Joint traded holds, the latter of which earned some encouragement from the home crowd. Similarly, Swiatek recaptured the lead with a break and didn't look back, en route to the double breadstick win.

SCHEDULE CHANGE DUE TO HOT WEATHER

Meanwhile, the start time for Saturday's play at the United Cup has been brought forward.

With high temperatures forecast for Saturday (January 10) in the afternoon, the start time of the Belgium-Switzerland Day Session semi-final will begin at 10 a.m. Previously, the tie was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Gates and arena doors will open from 9 a.m.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Swiatek is just on another level. Winning 6-1, 6-1 in under an hour? That's pure dominance. Feel for the young Aussie player, but what a learning experience against the world number 2.
P
Priya S
Smart move to change the schedule due to the heat. Player safety should always come first, especially in the Australian summer. Hope the fans stay hydrated too!
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Vikram M
Hurkacz must be so frustrated. Had his chances but couldn't convert. De Minaur's mental strength won him that match. The United Cup format is so exciting for fans!
R
Rohit P
While the tennis is great, I wish Indian players were more prominent in these big team events. We have talent, but need better support system and exposure at this level. Just a thought.
M
Michael C
That 21-point serving streak from De Minaur was insane! Shows his confidence. Looking forward to the mixed doubles - these team competitions always bring out extra passion.

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