Hubert Hurkacz earned a critical win for Poland against Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka, and Magda Linette's heroics delivered the crucial third point to book Poland a spot in the Brisbane City Finals at the United Cup.
With Hurkacz's win giving Poland the 2-1 lead, Linette held off Jil Teichmann to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 to clinch the tie.
Poland will face Italy in the City Finals on Wednesday. The winner of the tie will advance to the United Cup Final Four in Sydney. The team with the best record among the runner-ups across Perth, Sydney and Brisbane will also advance to the Final Four.
“Let’s go Poland!” says @HubertHurkacz, who also wishes compatriot @MagdaLinette good luck as she tries to seal the tie.#UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/1KjcXNv3n9
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 3, 2023
Hurkacz battled through a tense match against Wawrinka to win 7-6(5), 6-4.
“Never had a chance before to play against Stan, so I was really looking forward for that match," Hurkacz said. "He’s such a legend of the sport. I was watching him win the Grand Slams and now I can share the court with him, so that was a huge pleasure for me,” Hurkacz said.
With a chance to close out the win, No.48 Linette held her nerve to earn her first win over No.35 Teichmann. The two had played just once, at the 2021 Chicago 500, and the Swiss won in straight sets.
What a way for @jilteichmann to break! She goes on to take the first set 7-5 over Linette, a set away from levelling this tie at 2-2. #UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/Gz4GSjzDU4
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 3, 2023
"I played against Jil and she smoked me the last time so I knew I had to bring my best tennis," Linette said.
Linette jumped out to a 3-0 lead in both the first and second sets, but Teichmann's battling qualities kept the result in the balance until the final stages of the 2-hour and 43-minute battle. Teichmann came through a monumental fifth game of the opening set to get back on serve.
Linette grew frustrated after seeing her lead blown and Teichmann was able to secure a second break to complete the comeback.
Another day, another high leaping backhand winner by @jilteichmann. And to save set point, no less!
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 3, 2023
Back on serve in the second set vs Linette.#UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/gUW1N9oiwU
Teichmann nearly pulled out a straight-set win in the second set. Again Linette led by a break and again, the Swiss pulled her back. She broke Linette down 5-3. But this time, Linette stood tall. She set aside her disappointment quickly and broke right back to force a third.
"I was so frustrated in the first set when I had a good lead and I didn't do a very good job, I wasn't focused enough," Linette said. "I'm really happy that I was able to reset after the first set and come back strong."
The final set was a test of fitness, and Teichmann paid for her two hours of running to stay level with Linette. Two tired double faults from the 25-year-old Swiss gave Linette a 2-0 lead and she raced away to the win.
In a dead rubber match later Tuesday, the Swiss team of Belinda and Marc-Andrea Huesler knocked off Alicja Rosolska and Kacper Zuk in straight sets.
It’s victory to @MagdaLinette, and Team Poland 🇵🇱!
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 3, 2023
Her 5-7 6-4 6-1 win over Teichmann gives Poland a 3-1 lead over Switzerland, and a place in the Brisbane City Final vs Team Italy 🇮🇹!#UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/uqIegrbkxF