Australia’s Alex de Minaur secured a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, sending the last United Cup quarterfinal to a deciding mixed doubles tie in Sydney on Friday. The World No. 6 successfully saved all nine break points he faced during his opening four service games, including four in the second game of the match, keeping Australia alive after world No. 2 Iga Swiatek’s straight-sets win over rising star Maya Joint.
Deciding Mixed Doubles
The tie will now progress to mixed doubles, with the winner advancing to Saturday night’s semi-final against the defending champions, the United States.
Hurkacz, playing his first tournament since last year’s grass season, was nearly untouchable in his first three service games, conceding just one point on serve. However, he became increasingly frustrated by his inability to convert chances in return games, leading to a rising number of unforced errors in the closing stages of the set, as reported by ATP.
After De Minaur saved three break points to level at 4-4, the 26-year-old made a decisive break and then won 21 consecutive points on serve before unexpectedly dropping his serve at the end of the second set. He broke early in the third set to record his eighth win in 11 United Cup singles appearances.
Swiatek Dominates
Earlier, Swiatek had a commanding 6-1, 6-1 victory over Joint in just 57 minutes. The Aussie rising star initially held serve for a 1-0 lead, but the six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek took control of the rallies, often forcing Joint to scramble from side to side just to stay in the points, according to WTA.
In the second set, both Swiatek and Joint traded holds, with the latter receiving some encouragement from the home crowd. However, Swiatek quickly regained the lead with a break and maintained her momentum, achieving the double breadstick victory.
Schedule Change Due to Hot Weather
Meanwhile, the start time for Saturday’s play at the United Cup has been adjusted. With high temperatures expected for Saturday (January 10) afternoon, the Belgium-Switzerland Day Session semi-final will commence at 10 a.m., a change from the previously scheduled 10:30 a.m. Gates and arena doors will open at 9 a.m.