Hurkacz powered his way past Schwartzman 6-1, 6-4 in the second singles match in 81 minutes before Poland won the doubles to complete the sweep.
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Poland defeated Argentina to become the first country to qualify for the semifinals of ATP Cup. World No. 9 Hubert Hurkacz defeated in-form David Schwartzman to ensure his country’s place in the last-four of the competition. Both nations went into the tie in Sydney unbeaten in Group D, winning previous clashes with Greece and Georgia. Poland finished the round-robin stage 3-0, with wins over Georgia, Greece and in the top-of-the-table clash against Argentina. Kiamil Majchrzak overcame Federico Delbonis in the opening singles match.
When you’re the first team to reach the final four ???#ATPCup | #TeamPoland pic.twitter.com/o2zmzTMKoO
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 5, 2022
Hurkacz powered his way past Schwartzman 6-1, 6-4 in the second singles match in 81 minutes before Poland won the doubles to complete the sweep.
“I’m so happy for our team. We’re in the semis, so super proud of that achievement,” Hurkacz said.
“We have great team spirit. We support each other. I think the atmosphere that we bring helps us play better.”
It was another impressive victory for Hurkacz after a career-best 2021 garnered three ATP Tour titles, as he warms up for the Australian Open which begins on January 17. Meanwhile Schwartzman had stunned world No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas on Monday before being outplayed by the Polish star.
Majchrzak is also having a good tournament as he has made it three wins in a row.
“It was very connected with the emotions and with the big fight of Federico. It was a very difficult game from the beginning until the end,” he said.
“My ranking maybe is out of the top 100, but I feel like I belong in the top 100 and more, so I’m going for it now,” he added.”
Poland will next meet either Spain or 2020 champion Serbia for a place in the final. The Roberto Bautista Agut-led Spain will be up against Dusan Lajovic’s Serbia in the evening Group A tie. Only the top nation from each of the four groups progress to the knockouts.
Chile’s defeated Norway 2-1 on Wednesday. Alejandro Tabilo beat Viktor Durasovic 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-1 to give Chile the lead before Casper Ruud levelled it for Norway with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Christian Garin.
Tabilo and Thomas Barrios Vera clinched the doubles 6-0, 6-4 giving Chile a 2-1 record in round robin stage and leaving Norway 0-3 after earlier losses to Spain and Serbia.
The winner between defending champions Russia or the Matteo Berrettini-led Italy, last year’s finalists, will also make the semi-finals when they meet on Thursday in Group B.
The situation in Group C is much more complicated as all four teams- Britain, Canada, Germany and the United States – are still in contention to make it to the next stage. They also play on Thursday.
