Swiatek, Gauff ease to United Cup victories

World No 2 Iga Swiatek was a comfortable winner as Poland reached the United Cup quarterfinals while Coco Gauff also eased to victory for defending champions the United States on Wednesday.

Six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek beat 97th-ranked Suzan Lamens 6-3, 6-2 in the tie against the Netherlands in Sydney.

Hubert Hurkacz, on his way back after being out for seven months following knee surgery, defeated Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) as Poland sealed their last-eight spot.

Poland will face hosts Australia on Friday.

In Perth, world No 4 Gauff put the United States ahead in their quarterfinal against Greece with a 6-3, 6-2 win over former No 3 Maria Sakkari.

Clinical 👏

Coco Gauff puts USA ahead early in the Quarterfinals, defeating Maria Sakkari in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 pic.twitter.com/zUkfJpSqZp — United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 7, 2026

The 21-year-old Gauff struggled with her serve as she suffered her first-ever defeat at the United Cup on Monday when she was stunned by Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

"Definitely a much better match today," Gauff said after making light work of Sakkari.

"Last match, I just tried to erase it. That's the beauty of this tournament.

"So definitely happy to give my team the lead today."

The mixed-team United Cup features 18 teams and serves as build-up towards the Australian Open, which starts on January 18.