Iga Swiatek delivered another remarkable performance on Thursday night, fighting back from the brink of defeat to overcome Katie Boulter in a gripping three-set battle at the United Cup quarterfinals. Her 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4 victory secured an insurmountable 2-0 lead for Poland over Great Britain, ensuring the team’s progression to the semifinals. This hard-fought win not only showcased Swiatek’s incredible resilience but also solidified Poland’s status as a formidable contender for this year’s title.
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A High-Stakes Battle on Center Stage
Swiatek entered the match with immense pressure following Hubert Hurkacz’s earlier victory over Billy Harris. On the line was Poland’s place in the semifinals against a tough Great Britain team that had little to lose and everything to prove. For Boulter, the match was an opportunity to test her mettle against one of the sport’s finest players. Despite being the underdog, Boulter pushed Swiatek to the limit in a thrilling encounter at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Swiatek began the match strongly, racing to an early 3-0 lead by fending off four break points in a lengthy, intense game. Extending her lead to 4-1, the Pole looked to have the first set in her grasp. However, Boulter mounted a spirited comeback, using her flat, aggressive backhand to disrupt Swiatek’s rhythm. Boulter’s shot-making brilliance carried her through a tiebreak, where she hit back-to-back backhand winners to claim the first set in 74 minutes.
Momentum Shifts in Swiatek’s Favor
Though Boulter appeared to have the upper hand, the grueling first set began to take a toll on her physically. Sensing an opportunity, Swiatek surged ahead in the second set, breaking Boulter twice to secure a commanding 6-1 scoreline. Swiatek’s precision and determination shone through as she limited Boulter to just four winners in the second set, a stark contrast to the 17 she had managed in the opener.
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Despite her dominance in the second set, the third brought fresh challenges for Swiatek. Early in the decider, Boulter broke Swiatek at love to take a 2-1 lead, signaling that she was not ready to fade away quietly. Swiatek responded with an off-court medical timeout, returning with her upper right leg strapped. What followed was a display of mental and physical fortitude as she reeled off eight consecutive points to level the set.
Clutch Moments Define the Final Set
As the match hung in the balance, both players produced some of their finest tennis. Boulter saved two break points at 4-3 with relentless baseline play, pushing Swiatek to her limits. In response, Swiatek conjured a pinpoint sideline shot to erase a break-point chance for Boulter, ultimately holding serve to move ahead 5-4. The decisive moment came in the next game when Swiatek broke Boulter at love, sealing the victory after an epic two hours and 57 minutes.
“This match was crazy,” Swiatek said afterward. “So many changes of momentum. I thought I had it under control in the first set, but I got tight. I didn’t want to repeat that mistake in the third.”
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Team Effort Bolsters Poland’s Campaign
Swiatek’s win followed an equally crucial performance by Hubert Hurkacz, who had earlier defeated Billy Harris 7-6(3), 7-5 to give Poland an initial 1-0 lead. Hurkacz, who had struggled in Group B action, regained his composure to deliver when it mattered most. Saving all three break points he faced and winning an impressive 88 percent of his first-serve points, the Pole showcased the efficiency and poise that have made him a reliable figure for his team.
“Today was a really difficult battle with Billy,” Hurkacz said. “He was playing some great tennis, and I’m really happy to get through this one.”
This marked Hurkacz’s 150th tour-level hard-court victory and a crucial confidence booster heading into the semifinals. His performance, coupled with Swiatek’s heroics, has put Poland within striking distance of its second consecutive United Cup final.
Eyes on the Prize
Poland now turns its attention to Kazakhstan, a team that has impressed throughout the tournament and was the first to book a spot in the semifinals. For Swiatek and her teammates, the path to the championship will not be easy. Last year, Poland fell heartbreakingly short of the title, losing to Germany after holding championship points. This time, they are determined to go one step further.
Reflecting on her performance, Swiatek emphasized the importance of precision under pressure. “I tried to keep pushing, knowing that I had to keep up the quality,” she said. “With quality, I wouldn’t have to play these longer rallies if I’m more precise. In the end, I was able to be braver, and that made the difference.”
As the competition heats up, Swiatek and Hurkacz will be key to Poland’s chances of capturing the title. Their blend of talent, experience, and resilience has already brought them this far, and with a place in the final on the line, they will undoubtedly be ready for the challenges ahead.
