United Cup: Iga Swiatek stars in Poland win over Spain, Great Britain eliminated after Australia beat USA

Iga Swiatek had a penchant for a bagel in 2023 and her hunger for them seems as strong as ever in 2024 as she claimed a pair of them in doubles alongside Hubert Hurkacz to lead Poland to victory over Spain at the United Cup.

Hurkacz fell to defeat to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who secured a 3-6 6-3 6-4 success to put pressure on women’s world No. 1 Swiatek.

But she did not let her team down, claiming a 6-2 6-1 win over Sara Sorribes Tormo to set up a decider in the doubles.

As the four players from the singles came together, any hopes of a Spain win were ruthlessly snuffed out by the Polish duo, who claimed a 6-0 6-0 victory.

The victory cemented Poland’s position at the top of Group A.

Casper Ruud helped Norway secure a 2-1 win over Croatia.

After seeing team-mate Malene Helgo fall to defeat to Donna Vekic, Ruud stepped up and claimed victory over Borna Coric for the loss of five games.

That 6-4 6-1 win set up a doubles decider, and Ruud and Ulrikke Eikeri won a tie-break 10-7 to move top of Group F.

Netherlands face Croatia in the final match of the group knowing a win will take them through.

France emerged victorious in a tough battle with Germany.

Alexander Zverev beat Adrian Mannarino, but France forced a decider in the doubles after Caroline Garcia rallied from a set down to beat Angelique Kerber 1-6 6-2 6-2.

Garcia then teamed up with Edouard Roger-Vasselin to beat Kerber and Zverev 12-10 in a tie-break.

“Crazy match, crazy end. So happy we got through,” Roger-Vasselin said. “We had two match points and they saved them with good shots. But really happy. Thanks for the crowd, for the French crowd who stayed that late. I don’t know what time it is, but I think it’s quite late.”

France face Italy on Wednesday knowing a win will take them into the quarter-finals.

Australia claimed a 2-1 win over United States to take top spot in Group C and a place in the quarter-finals.

Storm Hunter and Matthew Ebden combined to beat Jessica Pegula and Rajeev Ram 6-3 6-1 in a doubles decider.

“This means everything,” Hunter said. “It is a dream come true. Playing in front of the home crowd and playing with Matty, a Perth local, it is a dream come true to win and go into the quarter-finals at home.”

All three sides in Group C – Great Britain were the other team – finished with the same win/loss record and match record, with Australia taking top spot due to a better sets-won record.

Australia’s wins means Great Britain finished third in a very tight group, while the United States will have to wait and see if they have done enough to qualify as one of the best runners-up.