Top seeds and two-time champions the United States will begin their defence of the United Cup in Australia after being drawn on Monday in a group featuring Spain and Argentina. The American team will be spearheaded by world No. 3 Coco Gauff and world No. 6 Taylor Fritz as they launch their 2026 season in Perth. The fourth edition of the mixed-teams tournament runs from January 2 to 11, serving as a key build-up to the Australian Open later in the month.
Spain’s squad will be led by Jaume Munar and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, although world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has chosen to skip the event. Instead, Alcaraz will participate in a high-profile exhibition match in South Korea against Jannik Sinner as part of his preparations for the first Grand Slam of the year.
Four-time major champion Naomi Osaka is also set to open her season in Perth, representing Japan alongside 2019 junior Wimbledon winner Shintaro Mochizuki. Their group presents a significant challenge, with Great Britain — featuring Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu — and Greece, led by Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari, also in the mix. Italy, France, and Switzerland complete the Perth-based groups.
In Sydney, world No. 2 Iga Świątek and Hubert Hurkacz will lead Poland as they seek redemption after finishing runners-up to the United States in 2025. They will face Germany, captained by Alexander Zverev, and a competitive Netherlands team.
Australia’s Alex de Minaur headlines Group D, where the hosts will battle Norway, led by Casper Ruud, and a rising Czech Republic side featuring promising young star Jakub Mensik. Canada, Belgium, and China round off the Sydney contingent.
Each team consists of three men and three women competing in a round-robin group stage. Each tie includes a men’s singles match, a women’s singles match, and a mixed doubles contest. Group winners in Perth and Sydney will advance to the quarterfinals, along with the strongest runner-up.
The tournament will conclude in Sydney, where the semifinals and final will be staged. A total of US$11 million in prize money and valuable ATP and WTA ranking points will be on the line.
ADD A COMMENT :