Poland stages a comeback to win their first United Cup; Bencic delivers a bagel but in vain, Wawrinka criticized as a liability

Difficult! Difficult! So difficult! Despite Bencic's bagel comeback against Swiatek to claim this nearly unattainable point, Poland eventually secured their first United Cup team championship through the excellent efforts of Hurkacz and the Zelewski/Kawa pairing!

At the United Cup final, the atmosphere was already intense before play started. Poland, having barely survived the USA in the previous round, set their sights on the title after losing twice in earlier finals. Meanwhile, the Swiss team was brimming with confidence. Bencic transformed into a “warrior” during this tournament, never losing a singles match and repeatedly rescuing her team in mixed doubles deciders, earning her the title of the “hero of the Swiss team.”

According to pre-match odds, the general consensus favored Poland overwhelmingly. ESPN commentators previewing the first women’s singles match noted, “Switzerland has almost no chance to challenge Poland. The reason is simple: Poland’s female singles player is Swiatek, who holds a dominant record over Bencic. As for Switzerland’s Wawrinka, his overall performance in this event doesn’t inspire much confidence. Moreover, should the contest reach the third match, the Polish duo Zelewski and Kawa have the capability to completely overpower their opponents.”

Tennis legend Davenport believed that although Poland appeared to have a clear advantage, uncertainties remained: “Can Iga overcome the psychological blow from her last loss to Gauff? That is a big question. But I believe she will give her all for her country and team, just as Bencic will. If an upset happens in the opening match, the momentum could shift dramatically.”

As expected, Bencic, representing Switzerland, delivered a surprise by staging a comeback. After losing the first set, she took a bold approach, dominating the second set 6-0 to level the match; in the decisive third set, Bencic broke serve in the third game and sealed the victory 6-3, giving Switzerland a 1-0 lead.

After the match, Bencic said, “I felt connected to the match right from the start. Although I was behind initially, I just stayed focused and waited for my chance.”

Bencic’s win shifted the pressure onto Swiss male singles player Stan Wawrinka. Many believed Switzerland could cause an upset and claim the title. However, against Poland’s Hurkacz, Wawrinka gave his all but still lost 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. Hurkacz admitted after the match, “Stan played better in the second set, but I knew he was tiring towards the end. I found my rhythm and improved my serve, which boosted my confidence.”

At crucial moments, Hurkacz dominated with 18 aces against the three-time Grand Slam champion and saved 8 out of 9 break points.

Following Wawrinka’s defeat, the contest moved to a mixed doubles decider. Bencic returned to the court partnering with Paul, but the pair were outplayed in both coordination and net play by their opponents. Ultimately, Poland triumphed in the mixed doubles match and clinched the championship with a 2-1 overall score. This victory was especially significant for Poland, marking their third United Cup final appearance after finishing as runners-up twice before.

Commentators praised Bencic’s performance as “flawless,” noting she single-handedly brought Switzerland to the final and secured their initial lead. Though experienced, Wawrinka’s age and stamina had become insurmountable obstacles, particularly in the demanding, multi-match team format.

A social media user commented, “Bencic played at her career best, but the United Cup is a team event, and one player’s brilliance can’t cover the whole team’s weaknesses. I don’t understand why Wawrinka was chosen to play. Yes, he’s nearing retirement, but this is a national competition, not a farewell ceremony for one player. Without Wawrinka, Switzerland might have pulled off an upset and won today’s final.”

Another fan agreed: “Switzerland’s team structure is problematic; they rely too much on Bencic. Wawrinka is 40 years old and they should focus on developing younger players to take over. His performance was really poor; he’s truly a dead weight.”

Experts noted that this final highlighted the unique appeal of team competitions — the delicate balance between individual heroism and collective teamwork. Bencic’s outstanding play was impressive, but Poland’s more balanced overall strength ultimately prevailed.

Another fan lamented, “Seeing Wawrinka struggle in the deciding set was heartbreaking. A hero in decline, he gave his best but time waits for no one.”

With Poland’s victory, this edition of the United Cup concluded. This final will be remembered as a classic example in tennis team events — individual brilliance and team success don’t always go hand in hand. Bencic left the United Cup with an almost perfect personal record of 9 wins and 1 loss, which will be remembered; meanwhile, Wawrinka ended his United Cup journey with a bitter defeat, his perseverance and struggle touching many.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)