SYDNEY: World number two Iga Swiatek defied a partisan crowd to thrash Australian Maya Joint in Sydney on Friday and help take Poland into a United Cup semifinal clash with the USA.

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Joint is a talent at age 19 but she was blown away by the six-time Grand Slam champion, Swiatek teaching her a lesson in a 6-1, 6-1 victory in 58 minutes.

The 24-year-old Swiatek will be among the favorites when the Australian Open starts on Jan. 18 and this showed why as she won a third match in a row.

Alex de Minaur defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the men’s singles to level the quarter-final at 1-1 and give the hosts hope.