The 2026 tennis season is officially underway, and all eyes are on Perth as the WTA United Cup kicks off with a pair of enticing opening-day matchups. With the New Year barely settled in, the RAC Arena is set to host some of the sport’s most promising talents and established stars, promising a fresh chapter of drama, determination, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
The United Cup, a unique mixed-team event, returns for its fourth edition, drawing together 18 nations to battle for nearly $12 million in prize money and those all-important ATP and WTA ranking points. The opening day in Perth features two group-stage ties, with Spain facing Argentina in Group A and Greece taking on Japan in Group E. Each tie consists of men’s and women’s singles matches, followed by a mixed doubles showdown—a format that’s quickly become a crowd favorite for its blend of camaraderie and high-stakes competition.
The day’s early action sees Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain take on Argentina’s Solana Sierra. Both women are coming off breakthrough seasons in 2025. Bouzas Maneiro, ranked No. 42, posted a 29-25 record last year, reaching her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal in Montreal and making it to the fourth round at Wimbledon. Despite these milestones, she’s still hunting for her first tournament title. Her 2025 hardcourt record stood at an even 14-14, reflecting both her potential and the room for growth as she enters the new campaign.
On the other side of the net, Solana Sierra, just 21 years old, enjoyed a banner year in 2025, capturing four lower-level tournament titles—two at the WTA level, all on her favored clay. Sierra’s hardcourt record was less impressive at 7-8, but her confidence is riding high after a memorable run to the fourth round at Wimbledon, where she entered as a Lucky Loser and seized the opportunity with both hands. This opening clash marks Sierra’s debut at the United Cup, while Bouzas Maneiro brings prior experience at this event to the table. Their only previous meeting, at the ITF level two years ago, went the distance in three sets, with Bouzas Maneiro claiming the win. Pundits and oddsmakers are leaning towards Bouzas Maneiro this time, but with both players hungry for a strong start, anything could happen.
Later in the day, the spotlight shifts to the marquee matchup: Maria Sakkari of Greece versus Japan’s Naomi Osaka. The anticipation is palpable, and for good reason. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Australian Open winner (2019, 2021), is making her United Cup debut after a season marked by both triumph and resilience. She ended her 2025 campaign early due to a leg injury but says she feels refreshed and ready to compete. “My daughter is an incentive, she’s (always) in the back of my mind. There are a lot of incredible moms on the tour,” Osaka shared in Perth, reflecting on how motherhood has shifted her mindset. “I was able to spend time with my daughter while I recovered from a long season, even if I didn’t play the entire thing. My form will hopefully be good in my matches. I feel in shape and excited for the upcoming season.”
Osaka’s path to Perth wasn’t straightforward. She had initially planned to start her year at the ASB Classic in Auckland but opted instead for the team atmosphere of the United Cup. “I enjoy the team atmosphere,” she explained. “I’ve wanted to play the United Cup for a long time. You get to play the best in the world straight off the bat.” The Japanese star, currently ranked No. 16, is eager to build on a resurgent 2025 that saw her reach the US Open semifinals and steadily climb the rankings after returning from maternity leave in 2023.
Her opponent, Maria Sakkari, is no stranger to the United Cup stage. The Greek veteran boasts a 6-3 singles record in the event and was a year-end Top 10 player from 2021 to 2023. However, 2025 was a challenging year for Sakkari, as she finished with a 25-29 record and saw her ranking dip to No. 52. Still, her experience and tenacity make her a formidable opponent, especially in team competitions where she’s thrived in the past.
The head-to-head history between Sakkari and Osaka adds another layer of intrigue. They’ve faced off five times, with Osaka leading the series 3-2. Their last encounter came in the 2021 Miami quarterfinals, where Sakkari delivered a commanding performance, dropping just four games. Notably, four of their five meetings have been on hard courts, and while Sakkari’s wins have come in straight sets, Osaka’s victories have all required three sets—an indication that fans should brace themselves for a possible marathon match. The only time they played in Australia, Osaka emerged victorious in Brisbane five years ago.
As the United Cup gets underway, the atmosphere in Perth is electric. Players have already soaked in the local culture, with Osaka and Emma Raducanu enjoying a playful visit to Rottnest Island to meet the famous quokkas—an off-court moment of joy before the competitive intensity ramps up. The event’s mixed-team format continues to set it apart on the calendar, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among the world’s best players.
The stakes are high, not just for ranking points and prize money, but for momentum heading into the heart of the Australian summer. The United Cup serves as a crucial tune-up for the Australian Open, which begins January 18 in Melbourne. Osaka, in particular, will be looking to recapture the magic that brought her two titles at Melbourne Park. Sakkari, meanwhile, aims to kickstart her season and climb back up the rankings.
Elsewhere, the United Cup’s group stages will continue in Sydney from January 3 to 11, with top-seeded teams like Canada, Australia, and defending champions Germany set to join the fray. The tournament’s format ensures that every rubber counts, with only group winners and the best runner-up advancing to the quarterfinals. For players like Bouzas Maneiro, Sierra, Sakkari, and Osaka, a strong start could set the tone for the entire season.
Fans can catch all the action on the Tennis Channel App, with additional coverage of parallel events like the Brisbane International 500 and Auckland’s ASB Classic, both boasting star-studded fields and plenty of storylines of their own. But for now, all eyes are on Perth, where the United Cup’s opening day promises high-quality tennis and the first glimpses of who might dominate the courts in 2026.
As the matches get underway, the excitement is undeniable. Will Osaka’s return to Australia signal another deep run? Can Sakkari rediscover her top form? And which new faces will seize the moment on this global stage? For now, the season’s first serves are in the air, and the chase for glory has officially begun.
