Bencic guides Switzerland to first United Cup final with win over Belgium

Belinda Bencic's heroic performance led Switzerland to its first United Cup final with a hard-fought victory over Belgium in searing Sydney heat on Saturday.

The Swiss won her singles match against Elise Mertens, then teamed up with Jakub Paul to secure a mixed doubles win.

The Swiss duo triumphed 6-3, 0-6, 10-5 in the deciding match, recovering from a poor second set to take five consecutive points in the tiebreak and seal the win.

Earlier, Zizou Bergs defeated Stan Wawrinka in a gruelling 2.5-hour battle, winning 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-3. Despite losing the second set, Bergs broke Wawrinka’s serve in the third to claim victory.

In the opening match, Bencic remained unbeaten at the tournament, edging Mertens 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(0) to put Switzerland ahead.

Bencic, a former Olympic gold medallist, has won all four singles and all four mixed doubles matches during the United Cup.

Bencic described feeling immense relief and pride after overcoming the pressure to perform, highlighting her focus on staying calm and composed during crucial moments.

“It feels like 170 kilos fell off my shoulders - I was so stressed; I really wanted to do well, and today I felt so much pressure to not let my team down," Bencic said.

"I was really focused on myself, on breathing, and I'm super happy that I stayed tough in the important moments."

Switzerland will face either the United States or Poland in the final, depending on the result of their semi-final clash.