United Cup 2026 as it happened: Australia eliminated from the United Cup, Poland to play USA in semi-finals

Team Australia are officially knocked out of the United Cup after Polish duo Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski defeated John-Patrick Smith and Storm Hunter in the mixed doubles tie.

Hunter and Smith were competitive in the first set, but Poland put the foot down in the second to down Australia 6-4, 6-0 in 1 hour and three minutes.

It means Poland will meet the United States in the semi-finals on Saturday night. Belgium will play Switzerland in the earlier semi-final clash.

Women’s world no.2 Iga Swiatek got Poland off to a perfect start, with a clinical 6-1, 6-1 victory over Australian teenager Maya Joint.

When Alex de Minaur took to the court against Hubert Hurkacz, it was a must-win match for the Australian.

The big-serving Pole trouble de Minaur, and ran him around the court, but the Australian was able to get the job done in three sets to send the quarter-finals into a decisive mixed doubles tie.

But it wasn’t meant to be for the Australians, who struggled to keep up with Poland in the second set despite the experience of Hunter.

Two double faults from Storm Hunter on serve and Australia have gone from being 40-0 up to losing a deciding point to give Poland a double break.

That’s a dagger to the heart of Australia’s hopes of making the semi-finals.

I can’t see Australia being able to make a comeback with the momentum Poland now have.

Poland 3-0 and on serve.

This match is getting away from the Australians, as John-Patrick Smith sends a volley into the net to give Poland an immediate break to start the second set.

Poland take the first set and are one set away from a semi-final clash with team USA tomorrow.

It will be an uphill battle for the Australians from here.

Poland get the first break in this match and go up 3-2 and are on serve.

A few errors coming from the racquet of JPS.

Team Australia have a crucial hold to go 2-1 up with Poland on serve.

It was getting a bit hairy there, with the game going to a deciding point, but the home side were able to get the job done.

In the game earlier, Australia had three break point opportunities, but weren’t able to capitalise on any of them.

An early break would have been a dream for the home side.

We have confirmation, Alex de Minaur will not be playing mixed doubles tonight.

Australia will be sending out Storm Hunter and John-Patrick Smith.

Poland have a double change to their line-up, with Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski taking to the court.

We’re looking at about a 10pm start time for this match.