As has become a tradition since 2022, the United Cup has begun proceedings for the 2026 season on both the ATP and WTA Tour.
The likes of United States, Germany, and Great Britain will compete at the Perth and Sydney event as the Australia leg of the tour runs up until the first Grand Slam of the year.
Emma Raducanu will lead Great Britain, while fellow top stars Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, and Alexander Zverev will also be in action for their nations.
The tournament kicked off on January 2 with Argentina vs Spain, and Sebastian Baez picked up the very first victory of the year.
Sebastian Baez becomes the first ATP match winner of the year
Baez produced the first shock of the year by overcoming Jaume Munar of Spain in straight sets with a 6-4, 6-4 scoreline.
Munar is ranked five places higher than Baez, but the Argentine produced a steely display to dispatch the Davis Cup finalist.
Who will be the United Cup MVP? Anyone else? Let us know in the comments
Baez saved multiple set points in the opening set, but managed to turn the match on its head to start his season with a flourish.
Speaking after the match, Baez said: “I really enjoyed this moment, enjoyed the time on court, so happy to [have] won this point for Argentina.
“I am happy because I am recovering from some pain and some injuries from the past two years. So, of course, I want more. I know I have more. I have some confidence and I believe in my team and in my country.”
Argentina won their tie against Spain by winning all three of their matches to put them in a perfect position in Group A.
Solana Sierra defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets, while Guido Andreozzi and Maria Lourdes Carle then beat Yvonne Carvalle-Reimers and Inigo Cervantes by the same scoreline.
Argentina face a tricky United Cup test next
Only the winners of their group reach the knockout stages, which means Argentina’s quest is not over just yet.
They will face 2025 winners, the United States, in their next match, who boast two of the highest ranked players in the competition in Gauff and Fritz.
What is your bold prediction for the 2026 tennis season?
Fritz and Gauff will likely need to beat both Argentina and Spain to make it to the knockout stages after Argentina’s victory against Spain.
The United United States are the overwhelming favourites to finish top of their group, having won the tournament in 2023 and 2025.
