United Cup
Fritz, Gauff chase United Cup crown
Cobolli, Raducanu among other stars in Perth
January 02, 2026
Tennis Australia
Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff ahead of their 2026 United Cup campaign in Perth.
By ATP staff
Is this the year that Team USA’s United Cup reign turns into a dynasty?
Armed with top 10 stars Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff, and thriving in a format that rewards depth with star power, the Americans appear eager to capture their third title in four years. Their campaign begins in Perth, where Group A hosts Spain and Argentina’s opening tests.
“I think it plays to our country’s strengths,” said Fritz, who starts the year at No. 6 in the PIF ATP Rankings. “I think we have some amazing female players.” Coco’s first year was last year, and obviously we won it before.
“In the first year we had two of the best men and two of the best women, I think that is in our country’s favor that way.
“It’s great to feel like we have a strong team all over the country. For me personally, I’ve always felt like I play a lot better in team tournaments.”
Fritz delivered the defining moment of last year’s final, defeating Hubert Hurkacz in a stunning third-set break to seal the title. It’s a time he remembers well and will hope to repeat in 2026.
“It was a really nice moment to receive that, and the event, in the third team game, and the United Cup,” Fritz said. I think winning in team events is always more fun, because you have the whole team to celebrate with afterwards.”
Gauff had a similar hand last year, producing a flawless campaign in which he did not drop a set in five wins. The nature of the mixed team events is one of the main reasons why the 21-year-old player is coming back for the second time.
“Coming out of the preseason and being able to start the year on the team, it’s like the perfect mix of pressure and fun,” Gauff said. “Last year I remember being very nervous, because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone, but I was able to get out of that and did very well. I hope I will be able to do the same.”
The top seeds entered the debate in Perth! 📲 pic.twitter.com/fxwUQic9KG
– United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 2, 2026
Italy look like another Perth powerhouse, boasting depth and confidence after closing last season with Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup wins.
Reflecting on his Davis Cup heroics – including saving seven points against Zizou Bergs – Flavio Cobolli said he was eager to bring another trophy home to Italy.
“Winning the Davis Cup was a dream,” said Cobolli. “It’s a good thing for the whole country, basically. We’re happy to represent Italy every day.
“[After the victory] I’m more confident in my tennis, for sure. But the season is different. Now is the time to focus and start well because last year I didn’t. We have prepared the season very hard, and we are training very hard. We are ready to start.”
Cobolli’s partner, Wimbledon and Roland Garros finalist Jasmine Paolini, starts the year at No. 8 in the PIF WTA Rankings and is looking for more United Cup success after winning two of her three matches last year.
“It’s another year, another year of experience,” said Paolini. “I hope I can bring that experience this year and try to maintain the level to improve things in my game. That’s the goal.”
Reflecting on appointing local player and United Cup teammate Sara Errani as coach in the off-season, Paolini said, “It was time to say it officially, to respect her role in the team. I’m very happy about that. I think she really understands tennis and can really help our team do better.”
Italy’s opponents in Group C include France and Switzerland, with the latter led by Belinda Bencic and three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka, who is entering his final season as a professional.
“It will be special, but it will be my last year after more than 20 years on the Tour,” said Wawrinka. “It will be really special to play all these tournaments that I play so many times for the last time.
“For me, I’m very grateful to be able to play those tournaments and for the last, last time, to see all the fans around the world. I’m also very happy to discover new cities like here, Perth.”
Meanwhile, France is led by former World No. Lucas Pouille. 10, who is a proven leader in team competitions. Pouille is famous for scoring the decisive fifth rubber in the 2017 Davis Cup final, a moment that cemented France’s pedigree on the international stage.
“We have always had many players who will compete in this tournament,” said Pouille speaking to France. “We have been able to win the Davis Cup a few times. We are always in this type of competition, a team competition, and hopefully we can make France proud this year in the United Cup.”
Quokkas + Beach = A great day out with Team GB 🇬🇧@WestAustralia #WAtheDreamState pic.twitter.com/wXfjHqYLmJ
– United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) December 31, 2025
Great Britain also features in Perth, where 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu will make her United Cup debut under captain Tim Henman. He is joined by Billy Harris, returning for the second year in a row.
“I think it’s a good way to start the year to be part of the team,” said Raducanu. “It’s a little easier to settle down in a year, which is very competitive and individual. It’s nice to share this with the team.
“We’re all doing well and we’ve had a great time off the court and on the court. It’s great to be a part of that, and it’s a big change from what we usually do. I’m really excited to represent GB and have the chance to play in such a great place and see Perth.”
