It is a group stage decider at the United Cup between Poland and Spain. Whichever team wins the tie will progress to the knockout stage of the event. Team Poland will hope that world #1 Iga Swiatek is at her best for the both the singles and doubles. As always, we at LWOT have predictions for all the matches. But which team do you think will progress to the knockout stage?
United Cup Day 4 Predictions
Hubert Hurkacz vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: Davidovich Fokina 3-2 Hurkacz
The higher ranked Hubert Hurkacz is likely to be the favourite among most. However, the Pole labored somewhat to victory against Thiago Seyboth Wild in the opening tie, while Davidovich Fokina beat the same opponent far more comfortably. In addition, the Spaniard leads the head-to-head 2-1 on hard courts, although the last of these meetings was in 2021.
Admittedly, Davidovich Fokina’s level does fluctuate a lot. It is difficult to predict what to expect from him. Overall, I will back Hurkacz’s big serving to just about come through in conditions that suit the Pole pretty well at the United Cup. But a Davidovich Fokina victory would not be a major surprise.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Iga Swiatek vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Head-to-head: Swiatek 2-0 Sorribes Tormo
Swiatek was hugely impressive in her comprehensive win against Beatriz Haddad Maia in the previous tie. The four-time Grand Slam champion continued where she left off at the end of last season with patient, consistent tennis, and then unleashing on the right ball. This is also a very good matchup for the world #1. Sorribes Tormo is one of the least powerful women’s players in the Top 100, with her game built around fight and consistency. No other player exploits that playing style better than Swiatek. Expect her to win comfortably at the United Cup.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Iga Swiatek/Hubert Hurkacz vs Sara Sorribes Tormo/Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: First meeting
Swiatek and Hurkacz have forged a strong doubles partnership since last year’s United Cup. That was proven again with a solid performance to defeat the Brazilian doubles pair in the opening tie. However, Sorribes Tormo and Davidovich Fokina also played very well in their doubles triumph against Brazil. They combined better than many may have expected, and that bodes well for this clash.
Nevertheless, I still expect Poland to come through this one as well. Swiatek and Hurkacz’s games compliment each other extremely well on the doubles court, and the class of two Top 10 players competing together is likely to see off the challenge they face at the United Cup.
Prediction: Swiatek/Hurkacz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
