Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz were defeated by Aryna Sabalenka and Taylor Fritz 8:10 in the final of the “Tie Break Tens Eisenhower Cup.” The Polish mixed doubles team had won two matches prior to the competition, which served as their last practice before the much-anticipated Indian Wells tournament.
The Eisenhower Cup tournament (the name Tie Break Tens is used for the format used) was held for the fourth time this year. The event aims to raise money, all of which will be donated to charity.
This year’s edition of the event was different from previous ones. Previously, tennis players competed in singles play. This time, they were paired in mixed pairs. The tournament featured eight duos. Each match was played in a super tie-break format for up to 10 won points.
Swiatek and Hurkacz won their quarter-final match against Leylah Fernandez/Felix Auger-Aliassime 10:6 and in the semi-finals, they defeated the Greek duo Maria Sakkari/Stefanos Tsitsipas 10:7.
Poland’s tennis players found their opponents only in the most important clash. They lost to Aryna Sabalenka and Taylor Fritz at 8:10.
“Tie Break Tens is a new, exciting short tennis format. No games, no sets, just exciting Ten-Point Tie-Breaks played over a thrilling three-and-a-half-hour session. Tie Break Tens is a quick-fire version of tennis that anyone can play. Alongside our prestigious international tournaments, we encourage grassroots players to get involved. Tie Break Tens is exciting – and a great way to enjoy a lot of tennis in a short amount of time! Unlike conventional tennis matches, Tie Break Tens matches are comprised solely of tie-breaks – no games, no sets, just exhilarating ten-point tie breaks in which every point counts,” one can read on Tie Break Tens website.