Media Release, October 13, 2025
Six-time Grand Slam champion and 2025 Wimbledon winner Iga Swiatek and compatriot Hubert Hurkacz, a former world No. 6, will join forces at United Cup 2026 – making Poland the first team to commit to next year’s event.
From Friday 2 January to Sunday 11 January, Poland plus 17 other countries, featuring up to three men and up to three women, will compete side-by-side across Perth and Sydney for the fourth consecutive year.
The innovative mixed team tennis event will see players compete for the coveted trophy, a minimum AUD $17 million in prize money and 500 PIF ATP and WTA ranking points.
Team Poland, two-time finalists, will make their fourth appearance at the United Cup.
World No. 2 Swiatek, who won her latest Grand Slam title at Wimbledon before winning her 25th career singles title in Seoul last month, will once again lead the team.
“The United Cup is always amazing. It’s always an amazing experience and just an honour to represent your country and especially alongside such great players,” said Swiatek, who holds a 14-2 win-loss singles record at the event.
“I love being part of the team and have great memories of playing this event. This tournament is different. It brings more excitement than normal tournaments we play during the year.”
Swiatek is looking forward to catching up with her Polish fans in Australia.
“They’re the best because they’re literally everywhere. In any country that we go, there are many Polish people and in Australia, there’s a big Polish community. I think they’re really committed and really believe in us, and that’s what’s most important.”
Hurkacz also loves the team aspect of the United Cup and the trip Down Under.
“I really enjoy the team atmosphere and the opportunity to represent our country. And I really love coming to Australia and of course the Australian people. I really, really like the atmosphere there,” he said.
In 2025, Poland fell 2-0 to Team USA’s Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz in the final.
In 2024, Poland held championship points in a deciding mixed doubles match before losing to Germany 2-1.
Perth will host the first day of United Cup action on Friday 2 January at RAC Arena, while the group stage in Sydney will begin on Saturday 3 January at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Group winners in each city will advance to the quarterfinals with one quarterfinal spot in each city awarded to the best runner-up in that city.
The quarterfinals in Perth will be held on Wednesday 7 January, and on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 January in Sydney.
The semifinals and final will be hosted in Sydney on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January.
“We are delighted six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek and Hubi Hurkacz of Poland have committed early to the United Cup this summer,” United Cup Tournament Director Stephen Farrow said.
“The United Cup holds a unique position in global tennis, with the world’s best men and women representing their country at the highest level. We’re extremely proud to be delivering the fourth edition of the tournament.
“The players adore playing for their country and to be able to give countries the opportunity to bring their passion and pride together in a mixed team environment creates an energy that makes them all want to be part of it. We look forward to connecting with our sporting fans and the tennis community again this summer.”
Western Australia Tourism Minister, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA said, “The United Cup will be a sensational start to 2026, marking the fourth consecutive summer that Perth has hosted this world-class tournament, a true testament to Western Australia’s standing as a premier destination for major sporting events.
“This fantastic event will showcase some of the world’s best tennis players, drawing thousands of spectators to witness the action and adding millions of dollars into WA as part of our economic diversification strategy during the holiday season.”
NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper added: “I’m thrilled Team Poland led by reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek has committed to the 2026 United Cup. This tournament is one of the most anticipated fixtures on the NSW summer sporting calendar, with the passion shown by the world’s best tennis players competing for their nation creating an incredible atmosphere for fans. Sydney is one of the world’s great stages for international sport, and as the host of the United Cup’s biggest matches, we look forward to welcoming tennis fans from around the world for another thrilling event experience in the Harbour City.”
