Too strong for Kazakh Elena Rybakina this Saturday in Sydney, the world number two brought the decisive point to her country in the semi-final.
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 Rybakina ( 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 doping test which earned him a month’s suspension.
-Hurkacz also holds his place
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 play better and better“, said Hurkacz, who had lost twice in singles in the group matches before rallying from the quarters.
