Alex de Minaur is set to pair with rising star Maya Joint as they represent Australia in the 2026 United Cup. The tournament kicks off on January 2, featuring teams from Norway and Czechia in the group stage. Taking place across Sydney and Perth, this event marks an exciting beginning to the Aussie tennis summer.
Aussie Teen’s Meteoric Rise Stuns Alex de Minaur at United Cup 2026
De Minaur, currently ranked seventh in the world, has been a stalwart for Australian men’s tennis. He expressed admiration for Joint, who has made significant strides in the WTA rankings. Starting 2025 outside the top 100, she impressed by winning titles in Morocco and Eastbourne. Now ranked 32, she hopes to secure a seed for the upcoming Australian Open.
Key Dates and Locations
- Tournament Start: January 2, 2026
- Tournament End: January 11, 2026
- Locations: Sydney and Perth, Australia
Format and Structure of the United Cup
The United Cup features a mixed-team format with six-member teams composed of three ATP and three WTA players. The tournament is organized into two host cities. Competitors will engage in a round-robin format, with the top teams advancing to the knockout stages.
Match Schedule
| Date | Matchup | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 2 | Spain vs. Argentina | RAC Arena |
| January 3 | Australia vs. Norway | Ken Rosewall Arena |
| January 5 | Australia vs. Czechia | Ken Rosewall Arena |
| January 10 | Semi-Finals | Ken Rosewall Arena |
| January 11 | Final | Ken Rosewall Arena |
Prize Money and Previous Results
The total prize money for the 2026 United Cup exceeds $17 million AUD. Funds are allocated for participation and performance. The tournament has seen the following recent winners:
- 2024: USA (Winner), Poland (Runner-up)
- 2023: Germany (Winner), Poland (Runner-up)
- 2022: USA (Winner), Italy (Runner-up)
As the excitement builds for the United Cup, both Alex de Minaur and Maya Joint are eager to showcase their talents on home soil. The event promises thrilling tennis action, with fans looking forward to a competitive and entertaining tournament.
