The 2025 United Cup is towards its last legs and we have four brilliant teams making it to the semifinals. This article features the first semifinal between Kazakhstan and Poland. Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek, two of the best women’s players in the world, will battle it out to give their team a big point. As always, we at LWOT will offer our predictions of all three matches in this tie. But which team will advance to the finals?
United Cup Semifinal Predictions: Kazakhstan vs Poland
Alexander Shevchenko vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-Head: Shevchenko 0-3 Hurkacz
This will be a huge match for both players as they will look to take the lead and ease pressure from their female compatriots. Alexander Shevchenko has been reliable for his team so far and has played some clutch tennis in the last two matches. Hubert Hurkacz, on the other hand, has been below his best level, resulting in two losses from three matches. However, Hurkacz played a much better match against Germany and served 18 aces in two sets. Shevchenko will need to be aggressive and serve superbly to stand a chance of winning.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Iga Swiatek
Head-to-Head: Rybakina 4-2 Swiatek
Two of the best players in the world facing off this early in the year is a blessing for tennis fans. Both players have looked solid in their previous matches but Swiatek has played tougher opponents and was tested to the limit against Katie Boulter. Elena Rybakina has the edge of winning four of the last five matches against Swiatek and that should give her confidence. As always, this should be a close match between these two but I have to give Rybakina the edge on hard courts.
Predictions: Rybakina in 3
Elena Rybakina and Alexander Shevchenko vs Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-Head: First meeting
All four players who are playing the singles are scheduled to play the doubles and this could end up as the decider. Swiatek and Hurkacz have played together several times and are well acquainted at this stage. Their performance against Czechia was impressive and I can’t see Shevchenko and Rybakina having the same chemistry.
Prediction: Swiatek/Hurkacz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
