There’s only a couple days until the 2026 United Cup kicks off, a week-long team event featuring some of the best players from across the globe. LWOT will have detailed predictions for all of the matches, but for now, we list some of the best group stage matches you won’t want to miss, when the action begins Jan. 2.
2026 United Cup Group Stage Matches
Maria Sakkari vs Naomi Osaka – Jan. 2, Perth
This match is on the opening day of the season, and I see it being a good litmus test for both players. Osaka had a strong comeback season in 2025, and it’ll be interesting to see whether that blend of power and consistency holds up. Meanwhile, Sakkari will look to return to the Top 20 (or even Top 10), and her form started to rebuild late last season. With both players surely a bit rusty, this has a three-setter written all over it.
Alexander Zverev vs Tallon Griekspoor – Jan. 4, Sydney
Some fans have complained that Zverev’s game is too passive, and opponents like Griekspoor have exploited that weakness in 2025. Griekspoor held up around the Top 30 for much of the 2025 season, with his biggest win coming against Zverev at the BNP Paribas Open. He did exactly what aggressive players have to do against Zverev — battering the German with a serve & volley game, and controlling the court. The pair also battled in a three-set thriller in Munich later that season. This will be a fun rematch, on much faster courts.
Alex de Minaur vs Jakub Mensik – Jan. 6, Sydney
De Minaur has always played some of his best tennis at the United Cup, taking out foes such as Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev in the past. This will be a tough encounter for the Aussie, with Mensik having the game to outhit the higher ranked player. The pair were slated to battle in a Beijing quarterfinal epic, but Mensik had to retire midway through the first set. That could create some tension and make Mensik hungry for a better result this time around.
Jasmine Paolini vs Belinda Bencic – Jan. 4, Perth
Expect lots of winners in this match. Italy and Switzerland both faced off in the team event last season, and I sense a bit more at stake after how Paolini and Bencic’s match went there. The Italian blew out Bencic 6-1 6-1, as the Swiss No. 1 was just returning to the tour. There will be extra motivation for Bencic in this match, and with both players now firmly in the Top 20, I sense a close three-setter.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
