Belinda Bencic once again proved the heartbeat of Switzerland’s United Cup campaign, guiding her nation into Sunday’s final after a hard-fought semi-final victory over Belgium in Sydney. The Swiss will now face either defending champions the United States or two-time finalists Poland at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Bencic maintained her unbeaten start to the season with a dramatic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(0) win over Elise Mertens in the opening rubber, giving Switzerland a 1-0 lead. It was a match defined by momentum swings and mounting pressure, with Bencic ultimately prevailing after an inspired late racquet change and a flawless deciding tie-break.
“It feels like 170 kilos fell off my shoulders,” Bencic admitted afterwards. “I felt so much pressure not to let my team down. My brain turned off and my instincts took over.”
Belgium hit back in the men’s singles, where Zizou Bergs defeated three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-3 in punishing 41-degree heat. Bergs seized his chance at 4-3 in the deciding set, rallying from 40/0 on Wawrinka’s serve to secure the only break of the match and level the tie.
Despite Wawrinka’s inspired performances in what is his farewell season, the 40-year-old has struggled to convert opportunities on serve throughout the tournament. Still, Bergs was full of praise for the Swiss veteran, calling the contest “a real battle” in difficult conditions.
The semi-final was ultimately decided in the mixed doubles, where Switzerland’s combination of Bencic and Jakub Paul once again delivered. The duo have now won all three of their mixed matches at the tournament, twice clinching ties for their country.
Bencic was quick to deflect praise, highlighting the contribution of her teammates, particularly Paul. “He’s so brave it’s unbelievable,” she said. “The team spirit is amazing, and it starts with the captain. The energy from the bench gives us such a spirit to win.”
Paul echoed those sentiments, lauding Bencic’s endurance and leadership. “It’s easy to find the energy with this team,” he said. “Hats off to Belinda for playing nearly three hours and still coming out for doubles.”
For Belgium, Bergs and Mertens showed resilience, with Bergs continuing his strong rise after more than doubling his career match wins last year. However, Switzerland’s depth and composure in decisive moments proved the difference.
With Bencic now 7-0 across singles and mixed doubles at the United Cup, Switzerland head into the final brimming with confidence, aiming to cap a remarkable team effort with the title.