SYDNEY, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - World number two Iga Swiatek defied apartisan crowd to thrash Australian Maya Joint in Sydney on Friday and givePoland the lead in their United Cup quarter-final. Joint is a talent at age 19 but she was blown away by the six-time Grand Slamchampion, Swiatek teaching her a lesson in a 6-1, 6-1 victory in 58 minutes. The 24-year-old Swiatek will be among the favourites when the Australian Openstarts on January 18 and this showed why as she won a third match in a row. Hubert Hurkacz faces home hope Alex de Minaur in the men's singles as Polandand Australia battle for the right to meet reigning champions the UnitedStates in the last four. The United Cup is a mixed-teams competition featuring 18 countries and servesas build-up to the Australian Open.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 09, 2026 10:37 UTC