Taylor Fritz takes on resurgent Stefanos Tsitsipas as United Cup QFs begin in Perth | ATP Tour
United Cup
Fritz faces Tsitsipas who has risen again as the United Cup QFs begin in Perth
USA vs. Greece precedes Switzerland vs. Argentina on Wednesday
January 06, 2026
TENNIS AUSTRALIA
Taylor Fritz has won his last two Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Written by Jerome Coombe
The United States will continue their pursuit of United Cup supremacy on Wednesday in Perth, where they will advance to the quarter-finals for the third time in four years.
Double champions USA, led by Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz, will face resurgent Greece at 10am local time, before Switzerland face runners-up Argentina in the second quarter-final at 5pm.
Here they are! The Perth Quarterfinals are set 🔒
Session of the day: USA v Greece
Night Session: Switzerland v ArgentinaWho is going to Sydney?🤔 pic.twitter.com/UyWPYw66wB
– United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 6, 2026
USA vs. Greece [10 a.m.]Gauff and Fritz topped Group A after a double dip in the mixed rubbers decider, leaning on each other again and again under pressure. Against Argentina, Gauff was forced to do double duty after Fritz lost two and a half hours to Sebastian Baez, but responded by saving a match point to beat Jaume Munar en route to their quarter-final place.
Sakkari and Tsitsipas, both former World No. 3s who look to be renewed after a challenging 2025 season, now face a tough test. Each went 2-0 in Group E, with Tsitsipas holding a 3-2 Lexus ATP Head2Head advantage over Fritz despite the American winning their previous two meetings, including the 2024 Australian Open. While Fritz remains a Top 10 player, Tsitsipas dropped out of the Top 20 for the first time since 2018 last year when he struggled with a back injury in search of form.
Signs suggest Tsitsipas has begun to recharge in 2026, having spoken of his desire to return to a Grand Slam final and back it up on court in Perth. Sakkari impressed again, defeating Naomi Osaka in straight sets before eventually defeating Emma Raducanu at her fifth attempt.
“He showed amazing tennis today, a lot of improvement in his game,” Tsitsipas said of Sakkari after his win over Raducanu. “The shots are there. He’s got those shots. How can we use them to get to the top? He’s done that with tennis that’s bold and wants to kill.”
Gauff, a two-time major champion, will be looking to bounce back from her loss to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, although the USA could rely on her again if the tie comes down to two, as she won both deciding rubbers with Christian Harrison.
Switzerland vs. Argentina [5 p.m.]Stan Wawrinka continues to add excitement to his United Cup farewell campaign, as the 40-year-old has spent six hours on court in two marathon matches. He produced a thrilling final set break win over Arthur Rinderknech before falling in the second against Flavio Cobolli.
Belinda Bencic was the Swiss player, winning both her singles matches and teaming up with Jakub Paul to doubles victory over Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. He opens against Solana Sierra as Switzerland look to extend their run against an Argentina side that has already exceeded expectations in Perth.
“We are living in Belinda’s country again,” said Wawrinka after the match between Switzerland and Italy. “You show us why we’re here again. I’m usually good at my level. Yes, I would have liked to win it. But they got the job done. We’re happy as a team. That’s the most important thing.”
Wawrinka now faces Baez, and the three-time champion hopes to deliver another eye-catching match. His stamina has been tested early on, but his ability to step up in the big moments remains a hallmark of the first tournament of his final season on Tour.
