SYDNEY - Poland exacted sweet revenge on the United States with a thrilling 2-1 semifinal victory at the 2026 United Cup on Saturday, booking their spot in a third consecutive final at Ken Rosewall Arena.

The tie came down to a deciding mixed doubles rubber after the singles matches were split, and it was Jan Zielinski and Katarzyna Kawa who delivered for Poland with a tension-filled 7-6(5), 7-6(3) victory over Coco Gauff and Christian Harrison. The result avenges Poland's heartbreaking final defeat to the Americans in 2025.

Zielinski was the hero of the hour, imposing himself on the match with an ultra-aggressive mindset that kept the American pair on the back foot throughout. The drama reached fever pitch in the second set when Gauff and Harrison twice served for the set and held three set points at 6-5, leading 40-15. But the Polish duo refused to buckle, saving all three chances before sealing victory in the subsequent tiebreak.

The semifinal began with a masterclass from Hubert Hurkacz, who continued his remarkable comeback from a knee injury that ended his 2024 season last June. Playing just his first tournament in seven months, the Polish star dispatched world number four Taylor Fritz 7-6(1), 7-6(2) in a battle of booming serves and nerves of steel.

Fritz had his opportunities, holding two set points on Hurkacz's serve in the opener, but the Pole erased both chances with thunderous serves. From there, Hurkacz dominated both tiebreaks, landing critical backhand passing shots early in each to seize control and never look back. It marked his second Top 10 scalp of the tournament in what has been a dream return to competition.

Coco Gauff kept American hopes alive with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 triumph over world number two Iga Swiatek, extending her remarkable winning streak against her Polish rival to four consecutive matches. The victory added to Gauff's wins over Swiatek at Madrid, the 2024 WTA Finals, and last year's United Cup.

The match showcased Gauff's growing confidence against the player who had dominated their early rivalry. After racing to a 4-1 lead, she weathered a Swiatek storm that saw the Pole win 12 consecutive points to level at 4-4. But Gauff remained composed, closing out the first set before storming to a 5-0 lead in the second.

Swiatek saved three match points to avoid the bagel, but Gauff's victory was never in doubt. The 43-minute first set demonstrated the American's tactical maturity, while the second highlighted her ability to maintain intensity against elite opposition.

Zielinski paid tribute to Hurkacz's contribution to Poland's campaign. "Hats off to Hubert who is playing incredible tennis in his first tournament in seven months," he said. "To come back and beat top players like this shows what a champion he is."

Poland will face Switzerland in Sunday's final, with Belinda Bencic leading her nation's charge after an undefeated start to the season. The Swiss advanced by defeating Belgium, with Bencic overcoming Elise Mertens 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(0) in a grueling semifinal.

For the United States, the defeat ends their title defense and marks a disappointing conclusion to what had been a strong campaign. They won the inaugural United Cup in 2023 and reclaimed the trophy last year, but Poland's hunger for redemption proved too powerful on this occasion.