Swiatek leads Poland into United Cup quarterfinals

Women's world No. 2 Iga Swiatek continued her winning form on Wednesday as Poland defeated the Netherlands 3-0 in Sydney to cruise into the quarterfinals of the mixed teams United Cup.

Poland, runner-up in the past two editions, will face host Australia on Friday night.

Swiatek brushed aside Suzan Lamens 6-3, 6-2 to clinch the Group F tie for Poland. After a competitive start, Swiatek mustered her formidable groundstrokes and reeled off nine of 11 games to overpower Lamens.

It was a typically ruthless performance from Swiatek, a six-time grand slam champion eyeing an elusive Australian Open title.

"I'm really happy that I found a way to be more solid in the middle of the first set because it was pretty even until then," said Swiatek, who raised her level following a tough three-set opening win over Germany's Eva Lys on Monday.

"I felt like I had more control over the ball and could go for it. I'm really happy that we won this tie just with singles. It gives us good confidence going into the quarterfinals," she said.

Poland had only needed to win one match to qualify for the last eight, and Hubert Hurkacz sealed their spot immediately after overpowering Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 7-6 (4) in the men's singles.

World No. 83 Hurkacz started the season strongly having been sidelined for seven months following knee surgery. He proved his full fitness with a huge upset over No. 3 Alexander Zverev in Poland's victory over Germany.

"After such a long period [on the sidelines] you're just so excited to be out there and it also gives you a different perspective on things," said Hurkacz, who fired down 21 aces against Griekspoor. "I think that's why I'm able to perform, maybe, better and even stay calm in the difficult moments."

Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski defeated David Pel and Demi Schuurs 6-3, 3-6, 10-4 in the mixed doubles to complete Poland's sweep.

Two quarterfinals are scheduled on Wednesday in Perth, with defending champion the United States taking on Greece, while Switzerland faces Argentina.