Sydney & Perth, Australia : The 2026 United Cup rolled into Day 2 with fresh excitement as the mixed-team ATP-WTA event continued its group stage across Sydney and Perth on Saturday, January 3. The defending champions and a host of top players kept fans glued to screens with key singles and mixed doubles ties.
Tennis enthusiasts were treated to compelling Monday-style matchups on a Saturday, as teams battled for early momentum ahead of the knockout stages later in the week. This year’s United Cup serves as a major build-up to the Australian Open, with ranking points and national pride on the line.
Tennis Stars Make Statements
In Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena, Belgium vs. China kicked off the action. Elise Mertens, always a threat on hard courts, took on Zhu Lin in a tactical women’s singles match that set the tone early.
Over in Perth’s RAC Arena, seasoned Swiss player Belinda Bencic opened her season against Leolia Jeanjean, while 40-year-old Stan Wawrinka showed flashes of his vintage brilliance facing Arthur Rinderknech — giving fans a nostalgic highlight.( Source -wtatennis.com)
One of the most anticipated encounters saw Coco Gauff, fresh into the 2026 season, take the court for USA vs Argentina. She squared off with Solana Sierra, delivering high-octane tennis that hinted at big things to come for her year ahead.
Order of Play & Match Flow
The structure on Day 2 followed a familiar three-match tie format — women’s singles, men’s singles, then mixed doubles, which often proves decisive in United Cup scoring.
Matches began each day in the mid-morning local time in both host cities and ran through afternoon sessions, with later ties featuring headline singles and doubles contests.
Mixed doubles, always a crowd favourite, once again provided thrilling finishes as nations fought for every point.
How to Watch: TV & Streaming Info
Fans around the globe were able to tune in via multiple official platforms:
• Tennis Channel (USA and many regions)
• Sky Sports Tennis (UK/Ireland)
• Channel 9 / 9Now (Australia)
• Tennis Channel India and other regional broadcasters informed by local listings.
For many viewers, Sony LIV also offered streaming options through their tennis coverage packages.
Player Reactions
“Very happy that it is an important point — if it’s 1-all, of course we have to give our best,” Belgium’s Elise Mertens said about the pressure of mixed doubles and its impact on tie outcomes. Her partner Zizou Bergs added with a smile, “Your energy is big and I like it. We have to be at the net and enjoy ourselves.”
With the group stage underway, Day 3 promises more blockbuster ties as nations look to secure quarterfinal spots in the United Cup, which runs through January 11. Expect rising talents and established stars to continue lighting up court action across Australia.
Article compiled using information from Sportskeeda and confirmed with schedule and match details from official and tennis federation sources.
(Source -Sportskeeda )
Discussion about this post