In the decisive mixed game, Iga Shvitek – Hubert Hurkac lost to Laura Siegemund and Alexander Zverev 4:6, 7:5, 4-10.
Earlier, Shvitek easily defeated Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-0, and then Hurkac lost to Zverev 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (6-8), 4-6 after a three-hour battle. In the tie-break of the second set, the Pole missed two match points.
1. Iga Shvichtek could not hold back tears. Later he said a few words in Polish
World No. 1 Schwitek took solace in being named the MVP of the tournament.
“Congratulations to the Polish national team, amazing competition. Today's victory was a matter of millimeters, that's all you needed to win the championship,” 26-year-old Zverev addressed the Polish national team.
“I know it's depressing today, but you all have a great season ahead of you. Especially Hubby and Iga, I think. Iga, congratulations on the MVP award. I've said it before in interviews. I think being on the team is like having a code for the team's special video game. It's amazing what You have done the last few years and I think you have a great season ahead of you,” added the German representative.
Zverev also thanked the team.
“It's absolutely amazing. It's been a lot of fun and fun for everyone to be a part of this team, especially me. Thank you so much for being a part of this team. I wouldn't be happy to share this trophy with anyone but you,” Zverev said during the trophy ceremony.
After Friday, he played a total of six games. In Friday's quarter-final against Greece and Saturday's very fierce semi-final against Australia, he also competed in singles and mixed doubles. He later admitted that he felt very tired during Sunday's duel with Hurkac.
“In half of the second set, I was already tired. In the third set, I mostly tried to hold back and somehow I managed to break (opponent's serve – PAP). It was very difficult mentally and physically, because I played singles three days in a row, and mixed is a difficult thing,” Zverev said.
In the previous United Cup draw, Poland reached the semi-finals, where they lost to the USA. Schwichtek admitted after the final that the white-red team had progressed.
“It was very close. Last year we made it to the semi-finals, including the final, so I hope the next step is a win,” Schwitek said.
“We are really making progress and I want to thank my team, all the players, the captain (Tomasz Wiktorowski – PAP) who convinced me of this role. He did an amazing job, he really supported us throughout the tournament,” he added. Award-winning tennis player from Racine.
mtu, PAP