The 2026 tennis season is set to kick off this Friday, January 2, as the fourth edition of the United Cup returns to Australia. Featuring 18 nations and a prize pool of over $11.8 million USD, the mixed-team tournament has quickly become the premier warm-up for the Australian Open. It’s always nice to see the ATP and WTA stars unite both on and off-court before their separate tours start.
With 500 ATP and WTA ranking points on the line, some of the world’s best are heading to Perth (RAC Arena) and Sydney (Ken Rosewall Arena) for ten days of intense competition.
The top ranked names will not be joining this event but we will shortly see them in action down under. Alcaraz and Sinner will begin their campaigns at the Australian Open, Djokovic starts at the Adelaide ATP250 and Sabalenka will be joining in Brisbane.
The Groups
The 18 teams are split across two host cities for the group stages. The top team from each group, along with the best runner-up from each city, will advance to the Quarter-finals.
| City | Group A | Group C | Group E |
| Perth | USA, Spain, Argentina | Italy, France, Switzerland | Great Britain, Greece, Japan |
| City | Group B | Group D | Group F |
| Sydney | Canada, Belgium, China | Australia, Czechia, Norway | Germany, Poland, Netherlands |
Best Matches to Watch (Group Stage)
If you’re looking for the absolute “must-watch” sessions, these four standouts feature Grand Slam champions and rising stars in high-pressure formats. If you want to place a wager, check our betting tips for the United Cup.
- Naomi Osaka (JPN) vs. Maria Sakkari (GRE) Friday, Jan 2 (Perth – Night Session)
- Japan makes its United Cup debut led by a resurgent Naomi Osaka. This opening-day clash against the fiery Sakkari is a heavyweight battle that could set the tone for Group E.
- Naomi Osaka (JPN) vs. Emma Raducanu (GBR) Sunday, Jan 4 (Perth – Day Session)
- A rare “Battle of the US Open Champions.” Raducanu, back in the Top 30, faces an Osaka who got back into the Top 15 in 2025.
- Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. Hubert Hurkacz (POL) Monday, Jan 5 (Sydney – Night Session)
- A rematch of the 2024 final. These two have a history of tight, three-set thrillers, and with Poland and Germany both eyeing the title, this is the important match of Group F.
- Alex de Minaur (AUS) vs. Casper Ruud (NOR) Saturday, Jan 3 (Sydney – Night Session)
- “Demon” is a hometown hero in Sydney. Facing the former World No. 2 Casper Ruud at Ken Rosewall Arena is guaranteed to have one of the loudest atmospheres of the tournament.
Key Tournament News and Info
- Defending Champs: Team USA returns as the top seed. Led by Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz, they are the heavy favorites to retain the silver-and-gold trophy.
- Interesting players to watch: Can former Greek top 3’s, Sakkari and Tsitsipas find some of the earlier top form? Will Flavio Cobolli continue his good run and lead Italy to more trophies?
- Major Withdrawal: Great Britain’s Jack Draper was forced to withdraw late due to injury. He has been replaced by Billy Harris, placing more weight on Emma Raducanu to lead the British team.
- The Format: Each tie consists of one men’s singles match, one women’s singles match, and a deciding mixed doubles match if needed.
- Road to the Final: Perth will host its Quarter-finals on Jan 7, while Sydney will host the Semi-finals (Jan 10) and the Final on Sunday, January 11.
Follow the event on the official United Cup X account.
