Iga Swiatek, world No.2, still undefeated in singles since the start of this mixed team tournament, brought the 2-0 point, synonymous with Poland’s qualification for the final at the expense of Kazakhstan, by beating Elena Rybakyna ( 6th) 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, Saturday in Sydney.
Poland, already a finalist last year when Germany beat it, will face the United States or the Czech Republic for the title on Sunday.
“It’s the ideal preparation for the Australian Open (which kicks off on January 12)” declared the former world No. 1, returning to the top after a few months since the end of August disrupted by a positive drug test which earned him a month of suspension.
Swiatek played with a bandaged right thigh, a bandage she had applied the day before during the third set of a grueling nearly three-hour match against Great Britain’s Katie Boulter.
The Pole won the first set in the tie-break by converting her third set point, before winning the second more easily.
Hubert Hurkacz (16th in the world) opened the scoring for Poland by largely dominating Alexander Shevchenko (78th) 6-3, 6-2.
“I’m playing better and better”declared Hurcakz, who had lost twice in singles in the group matches before recovering from the quarters.
