Preview United Cup 2026 Semifinals: Bencic and Wawrinka lead Switzerland against Belgium’s Cinderella run

The 2026 United Cup is beginning to reach its final stages, with the semi-final ties set to be played this Saturday, 10 January, in Sydney. The first finalist will be decided between Switzerland — led by Belinda Bencic and Stan Wawrinka — and Belgium, headed by Elise Mertens and Zizou Bergs.

Neither team had previously reached this stage of the United Cup, meaning the winner will advance to the final for the first time in the tournament’s history. They will then face a far more experienced opponent, with the second semi-final featuring two-time champions USA against two-time runners-up Poland.

While Switzerland have built their campaign around outstanding performances from Bencic, supported by an unbeaten mixed doubles pairing with Jakub Paul, Belgium have emerged as a well-balanced team, with both Mertens and Bergs producing surprise wins over opponents who appeared stronger on paper.

Perhaps the most inspired player of the week has been World No. 11 Belinda Bencic, who closed the 2025 season strongly and has shown notable maturity on court since returning from maternity leave after the birth of her first child. She has won all of her singles matches this week — always in straight sets — and has also remained unbeaten in mixed doubles.

The two have met only once before, back at the 2021 Australian Open, five years ago, when Bencic defeated Mertens in straight sets (6–2, 6–1). Interestingly, both players occupied similar ranking positions at the time: Bencic was the 11th seed, while Mertens was seeded 18th.

The 30-year-old Belgian has also gone undefeated so far at this tournament, recording notable wins over teenage sensation Victoria Mboko and two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova, highlighting her strong start to the season. Bencic will enter as a slight favourite, but she will need to produce her best level to overcome the always challenging Mertens.

Another intriguing matchup awaits the three-time Grand Slam champion, who has already shown he can compete at a high level. Wawrinka pushed Flavio Cobolli to a third-set tie-break earlier this week, proving his competitiveness despite his age.

Although Stan has recorded just one win from three matches this week, the 40-year-old has remained highly competitive and will have real hopes of springing an upset against Bergs. The pressure of representing one’s country at this stage, combined with Wawrinka’s experience and stature, could work in the Swiss veteran’s favour.

Bergs, meanwhile, was surprised in his opening match by an out-of-form Zhang, but responded impressively with victories over Felix Auger-Aliassime and Jakub Mensik — two wins few would have predicted. This time, however, he will have to deal with the pressure of being the favourite in a match that could prove decisive for Belgium’s hopes. They have met once before, at Marseille 2023, where Wawrinka claimed a three-set victory.

Switzerland have consistently relied on Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul, forming one of the standout mixed doubles teams of the week. Their victory over three-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori underlined their ability to compete at the very highest level.

Belgium are expected to stick with Mertens and Bergs if things unfold as in previous ties. Mertens is by far the most experienced doubles player likely to take the court, as a former World No. 1 and current World No. 5 in doubles. She has combined well with Bergs, particularly in their win over Canada, although they let a victory slip against China.

That said, the potential inclusion of Sander Gille cannot be ruled out if the captain opts for experience, given his background as a former top-20 doubles player.