(Video) Belinda Bencic Cries Inconsolably in Stan Wawrinka’s Arms After Switzerland’s Heartbreaking Defeat to Poland at United Cup

Poland finally clinched their first United Cup title after two failed attempts in the previous two seasons, losing in the final in 2024 to Germany and last year to the United States. En route to the win, they knocked out the defending champions in the semifinals, while in the final, they went past Switzerland.

In the final this year, held on January 11, Belinda Bencic gave the Swiss team a 1-0 lead with a three-set win over Iga Swiatek. But Hubert Hurkacz saved the Polish team from the brink of defeat by securing a three-set win over Stan Wawrinka.

Later in mixed doubles, Poland’s Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski clinched a straight-set win over the team of Bencic and Jakub Paul. Following the defeat, Bencic was inconsolable as she wept uncontrollably, while Wawrinka tried to comfort her.

Watch the video here:

Belinda crying in Stan’s arms after the loss against Poland is heartbreaking, and somehow the most beautiful moment you’ll see today 🥺

(🎥 Thank you to my friend Kate Lin for recording this moment) pic.twitter.com/qXM0rCPWkp

— Lisa #RForever ❤️ (@lisa_wawrinka) January 11, 2026

Switzerland reached the title clash of the United Cup for the first time. Wawrinka, who is playing in his farewell tour, has received the wild card for the Australian Open, which he won in 2014 by defeating Rafael Nadal.

Wawrinka, the winner of 16 singles titles, also lifted the 2015 French Open and the 2016 US Open, defeating Novak Djokovic both times. He also made the final of the 2017 French Open but failed to go past Nadal.

Belinda Bencic eyes the Australian Open after impressive United Cup run

Belinda Bencic lost just once at the United Cup, and that defeat, unfortunately for her, came in the final. The wins that she registered in singles prior to her victory over Iga Swiatek were against Elise Mertens, Solana Sierra, Jasmine Paolini, and Leolia Jeanjean.

Following such an impressive campaign, Bencic will be hoping to produce performances at the Australian Open, which starts on January 18.

Yeah, I’m always serious about the Australian Open (smiling). Of course, it’s been a huge confidence boost. Playing some good matches here now, I have some days to rest and prepare for the new conditions. We have a little bit more time to go there. Just super excited to play the first slam. I’m always just very focused on the first round. It’s going to be a new tournament. Yeah, just new focus for Australian Open.

Belinda Becic said at the press conference

Bencic, however, has never progressed beyond the fourth round at Melbourne Park, reaching the stage thrice, including last year, losing that match to Coco Gauff. The 28-year-old produced her best Grand Slam performance at Wimbledon and the US Open, reaching the semifinals in 2025 and 2019, respectively.

Jakub Paul wants to play mixed doubles with Belinda Bencic

Paul paired up with Bencic in five United Cup mixed doubles matches, losing only in the final. At the press conference after the defeat, he was asked whether he wanted to play mixed doubles with Bencic in Grand Slam events.

Of course, I would love to play mixed doubles with her at the slams. She’s got the ranking I don’t, so I need to get my ranking up first (smiling). Of course, it would be an honor to play slams with her because it’s just amazing what she does on court. It’s so much fun playing with you. Thank you for everything.

Bencic is the winner of 10 WTA singles titles, two of which she lifted last year at the Abu Dhabi Open and the Pan Pacific Open by defeating Ashlyn Krueger and Linda Noskova, respectively. She has two WTA 1000 titles to her name: the 2015 Canadian Open and the 2019 Dubai Open, which she won by defeating Simona Halep in the former and Petra Kvitova in the latter.

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