Tournament Highlights
Hurkacz and Swiatek Lead Team Poland’s Charge for the 2026 United Cup
October 12, 2025
Peter Staples/ATP Tour
Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz at the 2025 United Cup in Sydney.
By ATP Staff
In an exciting announcement, former World No. 6 Hubert Hurkacz and the accomplished six-time Grand Slam champion, Iga Swiatek, have officially confirmed their participation in the 2026 United Cup. With this, Poland marks the first nation to commit to the tournament next year.
Set to take place from January 2 to January 11, Poland will compete alongside 17 other nations, featuring a blend of three male and three female players vying for glory across both Perth and Sydney for the fourth consecutive year.
This innovative mixed-team tennis competition offers participants a chance to win a prestigious trophy along with a substantial prize pool of at least AUD $17 million, in addition to valuable PIF ATP Rankings and WTA Rankings points.
As two-time finalists, Team Poland aims for a strong showing in their fourth appearance at the United Cup.
Currently ranked World No. 2, Swiatek, fresh off her latest Grand Slam triumph at Wimbledon and her 25th career singles title achieved in Seoul last month, will spearhead the Polish team once more.
“The United Cup is an exhilarating experience,” Swiatek remarked. “It’s a real privilege to represent our country alongside such talented players. I cherish the memories this event has given me, and the unique atmosphere always adds an extra thrill.”
Swiatek is especially eager to reconnect with her passionate Polish supporters in Australia.
“Our fans are incredible and show up wherever we play,” she shared. “In Australia, the Polish community is vibrant and committed, and their belief in us means everything.”
Hurkacz echoed similar sentiments about the camaraderie of the United Cup and the charm of Australia.
“I truly enjoy the team environment and the chance to represent our country,” said Hurkacz. “Visiting Australia and embracing its culture is always a joy for me.”
In the previous year, Poland faced a tough defeat in the finals against Team USA, featuring Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz. The year before, they held championship points in a thrilling mixed doubles match but ultimately fell to Germany.
Kickoff for the United Cup will take place in Perth on January 2 at RAC Arena, with group matches in Sydney starting January 3 at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Group winners from each city will advance to the quarter-finals, alongside the top runner-up. The quarter-finals are scheduled for January 7 in Perth, and January 8 and 9 in Sydney. The grand semi-finals and final will be hosted in Sydney on January 10 and 11.
“We are thrilled that the six-time Grand Slam champion, Iga Swiatek, and Hubert Hurkacz are our first confirmed participants for the United Cup,” stated Tournament Director Stephen Farrow.
“The United Cup occupies a special place in global tennis, showcasing the finest men and women as they proudly represent their countries. We’re proud to put on the fourth edition of this incredible event.”
Western Australia’s Tourism Minister, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, expressed excitement about hosting the tournament again. “The United Cup promises to ignite 2026 in style, evidencing Western Australia’s status as a hub for premier sporting events,” he noted.
NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, added, “I’m thrilled to welcome Team Poland, led by the reigning Wimbledon champion, Iga Swiatek, to the United Cup. This tournament is eagerly anticipated by fans and creates a remarkable atmosphere of competitive spirit.”
Essential Information about the United Cup
• Player participation is contingent upon commitment by the entry deadline of November 11.
• At the entry deadline, 10 nations will qualify based on the five highest-ranked men and women, according to their PIF ATP and WTA rankings.
• The format includes eight teams qualifying based on the best combined rankings of their top male and female players.
• The second qualification date is November 17, where any top-10 players entering who aren’t already accepted will be given priority for team selection.
• Australia will secure entry either directly through ranking or via wild card.
• Each city will welcome nine teams divided into three groups competing in a round-robin format.
• Each tie consists of a men’s singles match, a women’s singles match, and a mixed doubles match.
• Matches will follow the best-of-three tie-break set format for singles and two tie-break sets with a deciding 10-point tiebreak in mixed doubles.
• Winners will proceed to semi-finals and finals in Sydney.
• The official draw to determine match-ups for the 18 countries will be held on November 17.
Tickets for the United Cup
• Tickets for the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals in Sydney will go on sale at 4 PM AEDT on October 13, starting at $50.
• Perth quarter-final tickets will be available at 4 PM AWST on October 13, with prices beginning at $43.
• Group stage tickets for Sydney will launch in November with tickets starting at $40, while Perth’s will start at $43.
