Coco Gauff beats Iga Swiatek but Poland best US to reach United Cup final
Gaudff wins 6-4, 6-2 but loses in doubles Sabalenka into Brisbane final; Alcaraz beats Sinner in exhibition A statement victory for Coco Gauff over her great rival Iga Swiatek proved to be insufficient to the American’s hopes of leading her team into the final of the United Cup. Poland showed their depth in an excellent team performance to close out a 2-1 win over the United States at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney. Poland, who finished runners-up to the US last year, exacted their revenge courtesy of the doubles specialists Jan Zielinski and Katarzyna Kawa, who maintained their unbeaten run in the competition by defeating Christian Harrison and Gauff 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3) in the decisive third rubber. Poland face Switzerland in the final on Sunday after the Swiss defeated Belgium 2-1. Continue reading...
World No 1 will face Marta Kostyuk on Sunday
Alcaraz beats Sinner in Korean exhibition match
Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the Brisbane International final for the third year in a row after defeating Karolina Muchova 6-3, 6-4. The world No 1 clinched her fourth match point at Pat Rafter Arena to advance to Sunday’s final against Marta Kostyuk, who beat the fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula 6-0, 6-3.
It was Kostyuk’s third win in a row over a top-10 opponent. She came into the match with only one win in five previous matches against the American.
On Friday, in a rematch of last year’s Australian Open final, Sabalenka broke Madison Keys in five straight service games on the way to a 6-3, 6-3 win. Last year at Melbourne Park, Keys beat Sabalenka for her first Grand Slam singles title.
Although three match points slipped away amid a late flurry of pressure from the Czech player, Sabalenka sealed victory when a Muchová shot sailed long.
“I always try to stay in the present,” Sabalenka said. “I worked really hard and each match against her is just another opportunity to get the win and I’m super happy that today was the day when I was able to get the win. She is such a great player and I always enjoy battles against her.”