Star Power Ignites United Cup 2026: De Minaur, Raducanu, Draper, and Swiatek Headline Early Commitments
On October 29, 2025, the United Cup announced a slew of high-profile signings for its fourth edition, set to electrify Perth and Sydney from January 2-11, 2026. Australia’s Alex de Minaur, Great Britain’s Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper, and Poland’s Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz lead the early commitments, promising a “lot of fun” and “electric” atmosphere as teams gear up for the mixed-team showdown. Tournament Director Stephen Farrow called it a “dream start,” with the event—featuring singles, doubles, and potential mixed-doubles deciders—kicking off the 2026 season and awarding up to 500 ranking points per player. Tickets for group stages go on sale November 19, starting at $40 AUD in Sydney and $43 in Perth.
These signings build on the tournament’s rising star power, following Team USA’s 2025 victory over Poland. De Minaur, fresh off reclaiming world No. 6 in Vienna, returns for his fourth United Cup, teaming with rising Aussie teen Taylah Joint (world No. 32, two WTA titles in 2025). Raducanu and Draper, both debuting after early season endings due to illness and injury, will spearhead Team GB in a potential rivalry reignition with Australia. Poland’s duo—Swiatek (six-time major winner, 2025 Wimbledon champ) and Hurkacz (former No. 6)—were the first to commit, setting a high bar.
#### Key Commitments and Quotes: Excitement Builds
The early line-ups tease intense matchups, with Farrow eyeing an Australia-GB clash: “That rivalry will be fierce if they meet again.” Here’s a snapshot:
| Team | Key Players | Notable Quotes | Debut? |
|——|————-|—————-|——–|
| **Australia** | Alex de Minaur (No. 6), Taylah Joint (No. 32) | De Minaur: “The energy is electric. It’s fun being loud and noisy on the bench.” Joint: “Honoured to debut—going to be a lot of fun.” | Joint: Yes |
| **Great Britain** | Jack Draper (No. 22), Emma Raducanu (No. 56) | Draper: “Excited to get back and compete—unique team vibe.” Raducanu: “Honoured for my debut; great to represent GB and enjoy the format.” | Both: Yes |
| **Poland** | Iga Swiatek (No. 1), Hubert Hurkacz (No. 7) | Swiatek: “Thrilled to team up again—electric crowds make it special.” Hurkacz: “Poland’s ready to defend our strong showings.” | No (Swiatek: 3rd; Hurkacz: 2nd) |
Up to four more players per team can be added, with wildcards filling the 18-nation field. Brisbane International (January 4-11) follows immediately, featuring women’s stars like Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina—though Rybakina’s absence from United Cup (opting for Brisbane) drew fan disappointment on X: “Would love to see her play—had so much fun last year.”
#### Format and Stakes: A Thrilling Kickoff to 2026
The $15 million event spans RAC Arena (Perth: Groups A, C, E; quarters) and Ken Rosewall Arena (Sydney: Groups B, D, F; semis/finals). Each tie: men’s singles, women’s singles, and mixed doubles if tied 1-1. GB lands in Sydney’s Group F with Poland and Brazil, teeing up a blockbuster Draper-Hurkacz or Raducanu-Swiatek early.
| Stage | Dates | Venues | Highlights |
|——-|——-|——–|————|
| **Group Stage** | Jan 2-7 | Perth & Sydney | 18 teams; top two per group advance |
| **Quarterfinals** | Jan 7 | Perth & Sydney | Cross-city matchups |
| **Semifinals** | Jan 10 | Sydney | High-stakes semis |
| **Final** | Jan 11 | Sydney | Trophy decider |
Prize money includes participation fees ($5K-$200K by ranking) plus performance bonuses, totaling $11M+ in 2025 (2026 TBD). NSW Minister Steve Kamper hailed Poland’s commitment: “Swiatek leading the charge—thrilled for Sydney.” WA’s Reece Whitby added: “Perth’s ready for world-class action.”
#### Buzz on X: Fans Hype the “Electric” Vibes
Social media lit up with excitement, echoing the “fun” and “electric” themes. Posts praised the GB duo’s chemistry (potential mixed-doubles partners) and Swiatek’s return: “Raducanu-Draper for GB? Electric from the off!” one fan gushed. Another: “De Minaur’s energy + Joint’s rise = Aussie fireworks. Lot of fun ahead.” Even non-commits like Rybakina sparked chatter: “Miss her at UC, but Brisbane will be lit.”
With more nations (e.g., USA, Germany) expected soon, the United Cup cements its spot as the ultimate team party before the Australian Open. As de Minaur put it: “Going to be a lot of fun.” Buckle up, 2026—tennis Down Under is heating up. 🇦🇺🎾
