Iga Swiatek, Hubert Hurkacz & Team Poland celebrate their secret key to success after reaching United Cup QF

Iga Swiatek led Team Poland through to the quarterfinal of the United Cup after beating the Czech Republic 2-1 in a tight affair on Wednesday. Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz teamed up to deliver the crucial point in the doubles against Karolina Muchova and Tomas Machac.

After the match, the duo attributed their win to a mascot or good luck charm, which is an inflatable flamingo that Iga Swiatek seemingly vacationed with. After Hurkacz was beaten by Machac, Swiatek defeated Muchova 6-3,6-4 to keep the tie alive. Eventually, the Polish duo prevailed 7-6(3), 6-3 in the doubles and advanced to the quarterfinals.

After the match, Hurkacz was questioned about the Flamingo, prompting a hilarious response from the 27-year-old.

"Having support from the flamingo is awesome” Hurkacz said, after being questioned about the Flamingo.

Moments after that interview, the Polish team gathered around with the flamingo to take a picture. They were in great spirits after securing a spot in the quarter-final.

The experience of having played together at the event before certainly helped Hurkacz and Swiatek, as they hope to go all the way after falling short of winning last year.

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Iga Swiatek looking to lead Poland to United Cup victory

Something that has loomed like a shadow over Iga Swiatek for much of her career is her lack of success when representing Poland. The Pole hasn't been able to deliver much to the country in the Billie Jean King Cup, often skipping the competition altogether.

Following her dominance at the Roland Garros, many expected Swiatek to clinch the gold at the 2024 Olympics. However, to the disappointment of both Swiatek and those back home in Poland, the World No. 2 could only clinch a bronze at the French Capital.

The United Cup offers Swiatek a chance for her to finally deliver a trophy while wearing the red and white. She came very close last year when she helped her nation get to the final.

Iga Swiatek and Hurkacz were the main stars for Poland in the United Cup finals last year. While Swiatek was able to beat Kerber 6-3,6-0 in the first match, Zverev defeated Hurkacz to set up a decisive doubles encounter. Unfortunately for Poland, Hurkacz and Swiatek lost out to Zverev and Siegemund in a tightly fought contest.

The runner-ups have returned with vengeance this year, and they're through to the quarterfinals, where they will face Great Britain led by Katie Boulter and Billy Harris. That match will be played on January 2, with Swiatek likely taking on Katie Boulter first, following which Hurkacz to potentially face Billy Harris. In the doubles, Swiatek and Hurkacz are expected to face off against Boulter and Charles Broom.