Poland returned to the semifinals of the United Cup blended group event for a 3rd successive yr after hard-fought singles victories in Sydney handed them an unassailable 2-0 lead over Britain on Thursday.
Iga Swiatek settled the tie after an almighty battle with Katie Boulter, prevailing 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4 as final yr’s runners-up booked a last-four conflict with Kazakhstan within the $10 million event earlier than the Jan. 12-26 Australian Open.
“I’m simply exhausted,” mentioned Swiatek after the close to three-hour marathon at Ken Rosewall Area. “I’m glad that I received, in order that I don’t must play blended doubles. This match was loopy, so many adjustments of momentum.”
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Swiatek squandered a 4-1 lead within the opening set, which her opponent clinched in 74 minutes after an impressed comeback.
However the world quantity two was to not be denied as she romped by way of the second set and shrugged off a proper leg difficulty within the decider to outlast Boulter.
“I believed I had it below management within the first set however I received tight. I didn’t wish to repeat the identical mistake within the third and I took 4 ache killers,” Swiatek mentioned.
“Quite a bit damage, however I’m glad that I received and for positive I’m going to want the day without work tomorrow.
“If they provide me area to lie down (within the dugout) I’ll take a nap … I believe I’ll simply go to the locker and die.”
Hurkacz clinched a good opening set when Billy Harris despatched a backhand lengthy within the tiebreak after which stepped up a gear late within the second set to seal a 7-6(3), 7-5 victory and put his group forward 1-0 in entrance of delighted followers.
“Undoubtedly tremendous happy with myself,” Hurkacz mentioned after his first singles win of the event.
“At the moment was a extremely tough battle with Billy … This win is so essential to get extra confidence and get one other match in.”
United States, the 2023 champions, has already reached the semfinals and can await the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal conflict between Italy and the Czech Republic.
The ultimate takes place on Sunday.