Gauff and Fritz Head U.S. Campaign at the 2026 United Cup

The United States aims to secure its title in the United Cup as third-seeded Coco Gauff and sixth-seeded Taylor Fritz unite once more to compete in this unique combined ATP and WTA event. Launching on January 2 in Perth and Sydney, Australia, the 2026 United Cup is the first major team event of the tennis calendar.

This extraordinary competition includes 18 teams, each featuring one ATP and one WTA player, participating in a round-robin format across six groups of three. Group winners and the best second-place team will progress to the quarterfinals, with the semifinals and the final set for January 10 and 11 in Sydney. Matches will be held on hard courts, allowing players to gear up competitively for the Australian Open commencing January 18 in Melbourne.

As the defending champions, the United States clinched the title in 2025 by overcoming Poland 2-0 in the final. This victory followed their first triumph in 2023, where they defeated Italy 4-0 under a distinct format. Last year, Germany emerged victorious, narrowly defeating Poland 2-1.

Poland poses a significant challenge this time, led by world No. 2 Iga Swiatek and former top-10 ATP player Hubert Hurkacz, who is currently ranked No. 73. The U.S. duo, featuring Gauff and Fritz, will face stiff competition in Group A, battling Argentina on January 3 and Spain on January 5 in Perth.

The format of the United Cup includes an ATP singles match, a WTA singles match, and a mixed doubles match for each encounter, making it an exciting showcase of tennis from both tours. With elite players jostling for early-season advantage and national honor, the 2026 United Cup is set to deliver captivating tennis and insight into the upcoming season.