Poland avenged last year’s United Cup final defeat to the United States, defeating the defending champions in the semi-finals to set up a title clash with Switzerland, who overcame Belgium in their semi-final on Saturday.

The tie began with a shock in the men’s singles as Hubert Hurkacz stunned world number nine Taylor Fritz, giving Poland an early lead. Hurkacz, ranked 83rd, triumphed 7-6(1), 7-6(2), avenging his loss to Fritz in last year’s final. The Pole’s well-placed backhand passing shots proved decisive, marking his second top-10 victory of the week following his win over world number three Alexander Zverev on Monday, after returning from an injury layoff.

“Definitely pleasantly surprised… in seven months, this is my first tournament. Coming back from such a long break for the first time in my life, you never know what to expect,” Hurkacz said.

The United States hit back in the women’s singles as Coco Gauff beat world number two Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-2. Gauff’s powerful groundstrokes forced Swiatek to stay near the baseline, leading to errors on her backhand returns and leveling the tie.

The deciding match came in mixed doubles, where Poland’s Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski edged out Gauff and Christian Harrison 7-6(5), 7-6(3), sealing the victory and Poland’s place in Sunday’s final.

“I’m so proud of our team… I gave everything I had. It means a lot; it’s a great victory for us,” Kawa said after the match.

Poland now prepare to face Switzerland in the United Cup final, seeking to complete a remarkable turnaround from last year’s heartbreak.