Hello everybody and welcome back to Talkn Tennis — the only tennis podcast you need to be listening to if you want informed and unbiased opinions.

My name’s Chris, I’ll be your host for this special run of episodes covering tennis down under, and I’m kicking things off by unpacking Day 1 of the United Cup — who’s playing, who should win, and who might already be regretting their off-season.

We’re officially back in Australian summer mode — heat, crowds, national pride, and players stepping straight into meaningful matches before the Australian Open even begins.

Today’s episode is all about the United Cup — and despite the name, this isn’t some brand-new gimmick. Mixed-team international tennis has been around for decades.

Before the United Cup, we had the Hopman Cup — a tournament Australians know well. The idea was the same: men and women competing together, countries represented, and bragging rights on the line. The difference now? The United Cup runs on a much bigger scale, features deeper teams, and — crucially — offers ATP and WTA ranking points, which means players actually show up and actually care. A maximum of 500 points is offered. For example, a group-stage match win is worth 55 points if you beat a top-10 opponent, but is worth 45 points for beating an 11-20 ranked player, and decreases per ranking bracket.

So while the branding’s new, the concept isn’t. This is team tennis with consequences — and in my opinion, it’s one of the better ways to launch the season before Melbourne Park opens its doors.

So let’s get into it — the matchups, the pressure points, and the predictions that will absolutely be used against me tomorrow if they don’t land.

If you’re new to it — or you’ve watched it but never fully understood how it works — here’s the simple version.

The United Cup is an international mixed-team tournament, played right here in Australia, where countries compete using both their male and female players.

Think Davis Cup meets Billie Jean King Cup… but combined, faster, louder, and way more entertaining for fans.

It’s not just an exhibition either — this thing counts for ATP and WTA ranking points, which means players are taking it seriously. You’re seeing top-level tennis before the Australian Open even begins.

Here’s how it breaks down:

1. Each tie is played nation vs nation
2. A tie consists of:
3. 
   
4. One men’s singles match
5. One women’s singles match
6. One mixed doubles match
7. 
   
8. First team to win two matches takes the tie

The mixed doubles is often the decider — and honestly, that’s where the chaos and entertainment really kick in.

Different styles, big personalities, pressure moments… it’s unreal viewing.

Teams progress through a group stage, then into knockout rounds, all building towards the final — usually with the Australian Open buzz already humming in the background.

Countries and players participating

who is competing in united cup

Jan 2 matches preview:

Group A

Spain v Argentina

1. (0) Munar v Baez (1) - https://www.atptour.com/en/players/atp-head-2-head/jaume-munar-vs-sebastian-baez/mu94/b0bi

Alright, let’s start with what I think is one of the more fascinating matchups of the tie — Munar versus Báez.

On paper, Báez comes in as the higher-ranked player, and he’s been the more consistent name over the past couple of seasons. But context matters here — because this is hard court tennis in Australia, not a slow clay court in South America or Europe.

Munar is a proper grinder. He’s physical, he’s patient, and he’s comfortable extending rallies until things get uncomfortable for his opponent. And in a team environment like this — with crowd energy and national pride — Munar tends to lift.

Báez, on the other hand, is all about rhythm. Heavy topspin forehand, baseline dominance, and dictating when he gets time. The big question here is whether he can impose that style on a quicker surface, especially if Munar starts dragging him into long, physical exchanges.

Another thing I like in Munar’s favour is the United Cup format. This isn’t just about winning a singles match — it’s about setting the tone for the tie. Munar feels like the kind of player who embraces that responsibility.

My take:

I think this is closer than rankings suggest. If Munar can extend rallies and make this physical, I lean Munar in three tight sets. If Báez starts hot and controls tempo early, Spain could be under pressure fast.

1. (1) ESP Jessica Bouzas Maneiro v (0) ARG Solana Sierra

https://www.wtatennis.com/head-to-head/328139/329081

This one is a really interesting contrast.

Bouzas Maneiro is a bit more established — she’s been building steadily, understands tour-level pressure, and tends to play pretty clean, structured tennis. Nothing flashy, but solid across the board.

Sierra is more of a wildcard. Still early in her career, less predictable, and sometimes that can actually work in her favour — especially in a team event where expectations are lower.

The key here is composure. Bouzas has been in these moments more often, and I think that experience matters.

My pick:

Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets, but I wouldn’t be shocked if this is tighter than expected early.

Group E

Greece v Japan

1. (2) Sakari v (3) Osaka - https://www.wtatennis.com/head-to-head/319998/318312

This is a blockbuster. Proper headline match.

You’ve got Sakkari — one of the fittest players on tour, thrives in team environments, and always brings intensity. She loves representing Greece, and you can feel it when she plays.

Then you’ve got Osaka. Multiple-time Grand Slam champion. Massive serve. Massive forehand. And when she’s confident, she can blow matches open faster than almost anyone in women’s tennis.

The matchup is fascinating because it’s power versus pressure.

Sakkari will want this to be physical — long rallies, lots of movement, testing Osaka’s consistency and fitness. Osaka will want short points, first-serve dominance, and to keep Sakkari on the back foot.

What tips this into must-watch territory is the mental side. Sakkari is relentless but sometimes tight in big moments. Osaka, when she’s on, is ice cold — but if things go wrong early, confidence can wobble.

My take:

If Osaka’s serving well, I think she wins this. If rallies extend and Sakkari drags her into a physical battle, it swings the other way.

Gun to my head — Osaka in three, but this is absolutely a match-of-the-day candidate.

1. Stefanos Tsitsipas v Shintaro Mochizuki

Tsitsipas is clearly the favourite here — higher ranked, more experienced, and generally very solid on hard courts. But what’s interesting is where he’s at mentally coming into the season.

The United Cup is actually a great barometer for Tsitsipas. When he’s engaged and switched on, he dominates matches like this. When he’s flat, he can let opponents hang around longer than they should.

Mochizuki is dangerous in spurts, but over the course of a full match, this should be Tsitsipas’ point for Greece.

Expectation:

Tsitsipas in straight sets — but Greece will want him to be efficient and set the tone.

Sign Off

And that’s going to do it for today’s United Cup preview.

I’ve given you my picks — now I want to hear yours.

Jump on X, find me @TalknTennis, and tell me:

Which match am I getting wrong? Perhaps you have some insights that I don’t

Screenshot your predictions, reply to the post, or quote it — we’ll read out the best ones tomorrow and see who actually knows ball.

I’ll be back tomorrow with another full slate of previews, fresh matchups, and a look at what actually went down today.

Until then — enjoy the tennis… and we’ll talk tomorrow.