2nd January
Hello everybody and welcome back to Talkn Tennis —I’m your host Chris who will be bringing you Day 2’s preview of the United cup. If this is your first time here, congratulations, you’ve already made a better decision than most tennis media this time of year.
For the regulars, you know the drill: proper tennis chat, informed opinions, and zero interest in playing it safe. For the newcomers, this is where we break things down without the bullshit — we look at who’s actually in form, where the pressure sits, and what to watch before the matches even start.
Today’s episode continues our United Cup daily coverage, focusing on Day Two — team construction, strengths and weak links, and the context that actually matters. Before we dig in we will look at some of the matches that have been completed.
Match Review: Sebastian Baez (ARG) def. Jaume Munar (ESP) — 6-4, 6-4Host (Chris): "Alright, let's talk about the opening session in Perth, and man, it was a literal furnace out there. 36 degrees on the court, the ball was flying like a projectile, and we had a classic baseline war between Sebastian Baez and Jaume Munar.
Now, I'll be the first to admit—I had confidence in the Argentine to maybe snag a set, but I didn't think he’d take Munar out in straight sets on a hard court. But the 170cm powerhouse proved me wrong. He played absolutely fabulous tennis.
If you look at the stat sheet, there wasn't much daylight between them, but this was a match decided by the 'big points.' We saw so many games go to Deuce, and that’s where Baez really showed his teeth. His composure was rock solid.
Tactically, he was solid out there. He stayed patient in the long rallies, but he was intentionally pulling Munar out of his comfort zone. He kept directing these short, wide groundstrokes to Munar’s forehand, opening up the court and then—this was the clincher—he actually came to the net to finish. You don't always see that kind of transition from Baez, but he showed incredible hands at the net to close out those points.
Munar fought, but Baez just had that extra gear of confidence today. Argentina takes a 1-0 lead, and Baez looks like he’s ready for a big summer."
Match Review: Solana Sierra (ARG) def. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (ESP)Score: 6-4, 5-7, 6-0
Host (Chris): "If you want to talk about mental toughness and the absolute chaos of tennis momentum, look no further than the clash between Solana Sierra and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
Sierra walked away with the win, but man, did she take the scenic route to get there. The first two sets were a total dogfight. We saw massive momentum shifts where neither player seemed to want to keep a lead. Sierra actually looked like she had this wrapped up in straight sets—she was up 5-2 in the second and cruising.
But then, the wheels hit a bit of a wobble. Bouzas Maneiro showed that Spanish grit we always talk about; she clawed her way back from the brink, rattled off five straight games, and snatched that second set 7-5. At that point, you’re thinking Sierra is mentally cooked. She had the match in her hands and let it slip.
But then... the third set happened. And it wasn't just a win; it was a demolition.
Whatever happened in that break between sets, Sierra wiped the slate clean. She came out and handed Bouzas Maneiro a 'hidden bagel'—6-0 in the third. Sierra’s power from the baseline just became too much. She stopped the unforced errors that let the Spaniard back in during the second, and she absolutely bullied her way to the finish line.
The stats show a story of two halves: a messy, nervous battle for the first two hours, followed by a total clinical takeover by the Argentine in the third. It’s a massive result for Sierra to keep her composure after that second-set collapse. Argentina wins a thriller, and Sierra proves she’s got the 'reset' button that only the top players really have."
And that makes Chris 0 from 2 from my predictions.
Preview - Perth
Now we will be Previewing Day 2 matches and Day 2 sees 4 nations go at it.
We’re starting with Belgium and China.' You’ve got Elise Mertens, who plays like she’s allergic to hitting a winner, and Zhu Lin, who plays like she left the stove on at home and needs the match over in forty minutes. Then you’ve got Zizou Bergs—taking on Zhang Zhizhen, who is currently the only reason Chinese men’s tennis isn't a total footnote.
Then we’re moving to Australia and Norway. This is where it gets ugly. We’re looking at Maya Joint, who’s basically been fast-tracked into the spotlight because the Aussie women’s game has been looking a bit thin lately. She’s taking on Malene Helgø, a player who, let’s be real, wouldn't be on this court if she didn't have Casper Ruud’s phone number.
Switzerland vs. France: The Nostalgia Trip vs. The Giant-Killers"Next we go to Perth, we’ve got Switzerland against France. It’s basically the 'Belinda and Stan' show. Switzerland is leaning heavily on Belinda Bencic, who spent 2025 proving she’s still a top-tier threat after maternity leave, and Stan Wawrinka, who is currently on a farewell tour
They’re taking on a French team that is the definition of 'unpredictable.' You’ve got Leolia Jeanjean, a player who can go from a tactical genius to hitting the back fence in three minutes flat, and Arthur Rinderknech—a 6'5" tower of power who plays like he’s trying to serve the ball through the court. It’s Swiss precision against French chaos.
USA vs. Argentina: Goliath vs. The Wall"Lastly for Day 2 we have the USA and Argentina. This is a total mismatch in styles. Team USA is coming in with Taylor Fritz, who has beaten Sebastian Baez five times out of five. Fritz plays 'big man' tennis—flat, fast, and aggressive. Baez, on the other hand, is 170cm of pure stubbornness.
And then you’ve got Coco Gauff against Solana Sierra. Coco is the 'Endgame' of tennis right now—she’s too fast, too fit, and too experienced. She’s taking on Sierra, a 21-year-old who just pulled off a miracle comeback against Bouzas Maneiro, but going from a Spanish grinder to the World No. 3 is like jumping from a kiddy pool into the middle of the Pacific. Argentina is going to fight, but the USA is coming with heavy artillery."
🇧🇪 Belgium vs 🇨🇳 ChinaGroup B – Team Balance vs Star Reliance
🇧🇪 Belgium Belgium are one of those teams that don’t scream star power, but when you look closer, they’re actually very well constructed for this format.
At the top, you’ve got Zizou Bergs — solid on hard courts, physically reliable, and not the kind of player who gets overwhelmed by the moment. He’s not flashy, but he gives you a chance in almost every singles match.
Behind him, Kimmer Coppejans adds depth — again, not elite, but dependable.
Where Belgium really separate themselves is on the women’s side.
Elise Mertens is a massive asset in this format. She’s experienced, composed, and crucially — elite in doubles, which matters more here than people think.
Add Greet Minnen and Lara Salden, and Belgium suddenly look like a team with options, not just names.
🇨🇳 China – Top-heavy and vulnerableChina’s setup is much simpler — and riskier.
Everything revolves around Zhang Zhizhen. If he wins, China are alive. If he doesn’t, things unravel very quickly.
Behind him, Te Rigele and Wang Aoran don’t offer the same reliability, especially in pressure situations.
On the women’s side, Zhu Lin is solid but inconsistent, and You Xiaodi lacks experience at this level.
The big concern? Mixed doubles. There’s no natural pairing here, and that’s where ties often swing.
With that being said lets get into the match ups for Belgium v China
Elise Mertens vs. Zhu Lin[Host Intro] "First match on the board for Belgium and China is Elise Mertens versus Zhu Lin. If you like watching two people with completely different relationship statuses with 'the baseline,' this is the match for you. It’s a classic case of tactical discipline versus total psychological volatility."
The Styles: The Surgeon vs. The Slugger"Let’s look at the tape. Elise Mertens is the definition of an 'all-court' player, but let’s be real: she’s the human equivalent of a tax return. She’s predictable, she’s a bit boring to watch, but she is incredibly efficient.
Because she was the World No. 1 in doubles, she understands court geometry better than almost anyone else out there. She doesn’t have a 'knockout' punch, but she doesn’t have a weakness either. She’s a counter-puncher who just waits for you to get bored and paint the lines.
Then you have Zhu Lin. Fans call it 'Zhu-Lin-sanity' for a reason. When she’s on, she’s an aggressive baseliner who hits the ball flatter than a pancake. She wants to take your time away, hit the lines, and get off the court in 45 minutes. But that high-risk style is a double-edged sword.
The Mental Game: Professionalism vs. Implosion"Here is where the match is actually won: Mertens is going to sit there with that blank, 'I’m just doing my job' expression, while Zhu Lin is swinging away
When things go south for Zhu, she doesn't just lose—she implodes. Mertens is a master at changing the height and the spin of the ball. She’s going to loop it, slice it, and break Zhu’s rhythm until Zhu starts seeing stars. Unless Zhu finds that rare 'insanity' mode where every flat ball miraculously stays in, she’s going to end up hitting forty unforced errors while Mertens watches calmly from the other side."
The Verdict: H2H and Prediction"The history tells the story here. Mertens leads the head-to-head 3–1. Why? Because Mertens eats flat hitters for breakfast. She prevents Zhu from finding that comfortable, flat rhythm she craves.
- The Call: I’m taking the Belgian. Mertens is a professional who treats every point like a business transaction. Zhu is a gambler who usually goes broke by the second set. Expect Mertens to win this in straight sets unless the 'Sanity' kicks in early."
Zizou Bergs v Zhizhen Zhang
[Host Intro] "Next up, we’ve got the men’s singles, and honestly, this might be the most 'theatrical' match of the day. It’s Zizou Bergs against Zhang Zhizhen. If you like fist pumps, screaming at player boxes, and massive serves, grab a drink. This one is going to be loud."
The Identities: Main Character Energy vs. The Fragile Powerhouse"Let’s talk about Zizou Bergs. This guy has the ultimate 'Main Character Energy.' He spends half his year grinding through qualifying draws, yet he acts like he’s won ten Slams every time he holds serve. He’s all emotion—he’s pumping his fists, he’s barking at his coach, and he’s playing every point like his life depends on it. He’s currently sitting at a career-high rank (around No. 42), and he’s basically built for the United Cup because he feeds off the noise.
Then you’ve got Zhang Zhizhen. On paper, he’s a beast. He’s 6’4”, he’s got a serve that sounds like a gunshot, and a forehand that can punch a hole through a brick wall. But let’s be real about Zhang: his mental fortitude is about as strong as Nick Kyrgios’s. He’s had a nightmare 2025 with shoulder injuries, and his ranking has absolutely tanked because he can’t seem to stay on the court for more than three matches in a row."
The Tactical Breakdown: Pace-Feeding"Now, why does Zizou Bergs own this matchup? He leads the head-to-head 3–1. Most recently, in 2025, they played in Marseille where Zhang actually had to retire. There was even a rumor going around that Bergs accidentally vaulted into Zhang in the tunnel during an over-exuberant warmup routine. If that’s true, it’s the most 'Zizou' thing ever—winning a match by accidentally tackling your opponent before the first ball is hit.
Tactically, Bergs loves the pace that Zhang provides. Zhang hits a heavy ball, and Bergs is fast enough to just sit back, redirect that power, and wait for Zhang to get frustrated. Zhang wants a short point; Bergs wants a war. And in 40-degree heat, you always bet on the guy who wants the war."
The Verdict: The "Annoying" Factor"Ultimately, I’m going with Zizou Bergs here. Not because he’s a significantly better tennis player, but because he is significantly more annoying to play against. He’s going to get under Zhang’s skin early, he’s going to scream after every unforced error Zhang makes, and Zhang is likely to fold under the pressure of trying to save China’s tournament single-handedly.
- The Call: I’m taking Bergs in a tight two-setter. Expect at least one tiebreak where Zhang misses a sitter and Bergs celebrates like he just won the World Cup."
Group D
Aus v Norway
🇦🇺 Australia – Built for the format
Australia might be one of the most United Cup-friendly teams in the tournament.
It starts with Alex de Minaur — relentless, consistent, and arguably perfect for a team environment. You know exactly what you’re getting every time he steps on court.
But the real advantage is depth.
- Jason Kubler — solid, experienced, and battle-tested
- John-Patrick Smith — excellent doubles instincts
- Storm Hunter — a huge mixed doubles weapon
- Maddison Inglis and Maya Joint give flexibility on the women’s side
Australia don’t need everything to go perfectly — they just need to stay competitive, and their doubles strength can close ties out.
🇳🇴 Norway – Casper Ruud or bustNorway’s story is very straightforward.
If Casper Ruud wins, Norway stay relevant. If he doesn’t, it gets uncomfortable fast.
Behind him, Viktor Durasovic lacks consistency at this level, and on the women’s side, Malene Helgo, Astrid Brune Olsen, and Ulrikke Eikeri are facing an uphill battle against deeper teams.
Eikeri helps in doubles, but it’s still a narrow path to winning ties.
This is what makes the United Cup such a great format — it’s not just about your best player. It’s about balance, depth, and who can hold their nerve when the tie comes down to doubles.
With that in mind, let’s get into the actual matchups.
Maya Joint (AUS) vs. Malene Helgø (NOR)Alright, everyone, buckle up. We are talking about the home team now. Australia versus Norway. . We’ve got the 'Green and Gold' looking to make a statement, and they’re facing a Norwegian squad that is basically a one-man wrecking crew led by Casper Ruud. Let’s break down how these teams stack up." This first match is, quite frankly, a legalized bullying session. It’s the new Australian Maya Joint taking on Malene Helgø.
The Comparison: The Rocket vs. The Bag-Carrier"Let’s look at Maya Joint. At 19 years old, she’s already playing with that 'I’m better than you' swagger—and honestly, she has every right to. She’s ranked No. 32 in the world, she’s got Red Bull sponsorship, and she spent 2025 winning titles on multiple surfaces. She’s fast, she’s aggressive, and she has that 'Aussie grit' that makes her a nightmare to play in front of a home crowd.
Then there’s Malene Helgø. Let's be real: Helgø is a career ITF player ranked outside the top 500. She isn't here because she earned a spot through the rankings; she’s here because Norway literally doesn't have another woman to play. She is the person you bring along to carry the bags and book the practice courts, not the person you expect to take down a top-40 player in Sydney." But hey wouldnt it be a massive shock if she gets her first win against the aussie local.
The Tactical Reality: Power vs. Passive Survival"Stylistically, this is a mess for Norway. Maya Joint hits a heavy, modern ball. She’s going to step inside the court and dictate every single point. She has the weapons to blow Helgø off the court in twenty minutes if she’s dialed in.
Helgø is a grinder. She’s solid, she’s fit, and she’ll run until she collapses, but she has absolutely zero weapons to hurt someone of Maya’s caliber. She’s historically struggled in this format—her United Cup record is a depressing 0 and 7.
The Verdict: The "60-Minute" Clock"This is a match about expectations. For Maya Joint, anything less than a blowout is a disappointment. If she doesn't win this in under an hour, she should probably reconsider her seeding for the Australian Open.
- The Call: It’s going to be quick, it’s going to be loud, and it’s going to be ugly for Norway.
- Recommendation: Maya Joint in straight sets. I’m expecting something like a 6-1, 6-2 scoreline. Australia takes the 1–0 lead, and Helgø moves to 0–8."
Match 2: Alex de Minaur (AUS) vs. Casper Ruud (NOR)Host: "Now, this is the main event....
