Sydney, Jan. 10 -- Switzerland defeated Belgium on Saturday to reach the United Cup mixed-team final for the first time, with women's world No. 11 Belinda Bencic prevailing in sweltering conditions in Sydney.
In the decisive mixed doubles, Bencic and Jakub Paul beat Elise Mertens and Zizou Bergs 6-3, 0-6, 10-5 as Switzerland sealed a gruelling semifinal at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Switzerland will play the winner of Poland and defending champion United States, which meet later on Saturday in a rematch of last year's final.
The women's singles began 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled due to oppressive heat in Sydney, with temperatures peaking at 42 degrees Celsius in the afternoon.
Bencic continued her unbeaten start to the season w...