The new tennis season has arrived. The United Cup is a team event that brings together talent from both the ATP and WTA tours. Its first edition last season produced much high-quality tennis, and this year is unlikely to be any different. Brazil and Spain kick off the event, with WTA Elite Trophy winner Beatriz Haddad Maia one of the players in action. Which team do you think will win?
United Cup Day 1 Predictions
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Head-to-head: Seyboth Wild 1-0 Davidovich Fokina
Both these players will be hoping for more consistency this season. Davidovich Fokina had some terrific results such as a run to the semifinal in Toronto, but also suffered many surprising defeats to players ranked lower than him. Seyboth Wild had a standout win against Daniil Medvedev in the first-round at the French Open, but did not produce many other results of note in the 2023 season.
The level of both these players can fluctuate a lot. However, Davidovich Fokina is certainly more naturally comfortable on hard courts than his Brazilian opponent. Expect him to use his firepower more consistently to put Spain 1-0 up.
Davidovich Fokina in 2
Sara Sorribes Tormo vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
Head-to-head: Haddad Maia 3-2 Sorribes Tormo
Expect many long rallies in this one. These two women are two of the biggest fighters on the WTA Tour. That means a close contest is possible. Yet, Haddad Maia proved during her superb run to the title at the WTA Elite Trophy that she is capable of being aggressive as well. The Brazilian has an extra gear that Sorribes Tormo does not possess if she can find it.
Sorribes Tormo did win a title in Cleveland last season, and certainly should not be written off. Overall, though, the conditions in Perth are likely to help the player slightly more adept at hitting through the court, and that player is Haddad Maia.
Haddad Maia in 3
Sara Sorribes Tormo/Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Beatriz Haddad Maia/Marcelo Melo
Head-to-head: First meeting
If the previous two predictions are correct, then the tie will be decided by this doubles match. Sorribes Tormo does have a solid doubles record, and has reached at least the quarterfinal of each of the Grand Slams in doubles.
However, the Brazilians are considerable favourites for the doubles. Haddad Maia won the doubles as well as the singles at the WTA Elite Trophy alongside Veronika Kudermetova, while Melo is a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion. In addition, Davidovich Fokina has played very few doubles matches throughout his career. The Spaniards will need to pull of a big upset to claim victory.
Haddad Maia/Melo in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
