Poland and Great Britain will square off in one of the QFs at the United Cup in Sydney. Poland reached the final last year but lost. Herbert Hurkacz has lost both of his matches so far at the United Cup. If Poland aim to win the title he must step up.
So Hurkacz has lost two out of two matches in Sydney. The first one to Casper Ruud in straight sets. Then to Tomas Machac in three sets. Herbert had problems with injuries last season and perhaps that's still bothering him to some extent. The 27 year old is ranked at the 16th position in the world. He won 40 and lost 19 matches in the 2024 season.
The 29 year old Billy Harris from Nottingham came to Sydney as a reserve. Jack Draper withdrew and Harris is now playing singles. Harris is ranked at the 125th spot in the world and spends most of his time on the Challenger tour. Harris only played 13 matches on the main tour in 2024 and won seven. So far at the United Cup, Harris has lost to De Minaur and Etcheverry.
Boulter and Team GB lost to Australia but made it to the QFs thanks to Katie. Boulter took care of Olivia Gadecki in straight sets. The 28-year-old Boulter also got the better of Nadia Podoroska earlier in the week (2-0). Katie has been carrying Team GB so far in Sydney. Boulter is ranked at the 18th spot in the world and won three titles last season.
This is the first time Iga Swiatek will face Boulter. The World number two has been very solid at the United Cup in Sydney. Swiatek has carried Poland just as Boulter has with Team GB. So far Swiatek has defeated Malene Helgo of Norway (6-0, 6-1) and Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic (6-3, 6-4). Swiatek lost the top ranking spot at the end of last season and looks determined to get it back.
