Poland edge USA in semi-final thriller to book United Cup final with Switzerland

The Europeans took a decisive step towards victory when Hubert Hurkacz put them 1â-0 ahead with a serving masterclass against Taylor Fritz.

Hurkacz edged both sets in tiebreaks, winning 7-6 (7-1), 7-6 (7-2), to avenge his defeat to Fritz in last year's final.

The Pole seized control of both breakers with incisive backhand passing shots, claiming another top-10 scalp in an impressive week.

"Definitely pleasantly surprised... in seven months, (this is) my first tournament. So coming back from such a long period the first time in my life, you never know what to expect," said Hurkacz, who also defeated Alexander Zverev earlier in the week.

The United States responded through world number four Coco Gauff, who levelled the tie by beating Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-2 in the women's singles.

Gauff's power from the baseline kept the world number two pinned deep and forced a series of errors, particularly on Swiatek's backhand side.

However, Gauff's win was not enough to spark a full comeback. Poland sealed the tie in the deciding mixed doubles, with Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski holding their nerve to win 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3).

The victory sends Poland through to Sunday's final, where they will face Switzerland, who overcame Belgium in the other semi-final.

Belinda Bencic again played a central role for the Swiss, giving them an early lead by beating Elise Mertens 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (0) to remain unbeaten in singles at the tournament.

Belgium levelled the tie when Zizou Bergs outlasted Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-3 in a two-and-a-half-hour battle played in searing heat.

But the deciding mixed doubles saw Bencic return alongside Jakub Paul, and the Swiss pair recovered from a one-sided second set to beat Mertens and Bergs 6-3, 0-6, 10-5, sealing Switzerland's place in their first United Cup final. 

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