Guided by playing captain Stan Wawrinka, Switzerland recorded a 2-0 overall score in its group stage, capturing the top spot in Group C to reach the quarterfinals at the United Cup for the first time on Sunday.
With a 2-1 triumph over former champions Italy, the Swiss team became the first nation to qualify for the 2026 United Cup quarterfinals.
In that regard, Belinda Bencic played a pivotal role in double duty at the RAC Arena on Sunday’s day session.
The 2025 Wimbledon semifinalist opened action with a clinical 6-4, 6-3 win over world No. 3 Jasmine Paolini in one hour and 53 minutes.
“I’m really happy with today’s match,” commented the world No. 11 in her on-court interview. “I lost to her really close at the end of last season. I really had to organize my mind that now it’s my time, I can do it. I thought it was a bit mental today.”
Then, world No. 22 Flavio Cobolli and three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka hit the court to star in an electrifying three-set showdown.
Starting his farewell season at the tournament, Wawrinka has left it all on the court in both monumental singles matches he has played thus far in the competition.
On Sunday, it was no different, except for the match outcome, which did not favor the former world number three.
Nonetheless, the 40-year-old made his opponent, 17 years his junior, dig deep to come out on top after a memorable two-hour, 55-minute encounter.
Cobolli, 23, struck first, taking the opening set 6-4.
Trailing by a set, Wawrinka regrouped with brilliance, forcing a second-set tiebreak that he eventually took 7-6(2), heading into a decider.
Making his first appearance at the venue, he picked up where he left off, but showcasing his singular grit and talent, the Italian player came out strong, and as a result, the edgy tie headed into a final-set tiebreak.
On his way, Cobolli delivered some of his best tennis, wrapping up proceedings 7-6(4) in a high-level contest.
The deciding mixed doubles saw Bencic back in action, joined by teammate Jakub Paul.
“Without this guy, I cannot play,” said the 28-year-old of her partner. “It’s been great vibes, great emotion from the team, we are all really into it with our hearts.”
The Swiss duo shone bright to overpower Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori 7-5, 4-6, 10-7, sealing the tie for their country, a team effort celebrated alongside playing captain, Wawrinka.
A two-decade career enters its final chapter, and the veteran Swiss player is making the most of each match he plays.
On Saturday, he launched his 2026 campaign with an inspired 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(5) comeback victory over world No. 29 Arthur Rinderknech in three hours and 18 minutes.
Following a test of fire in the Australian summer, the 16-time ATP titlist shared: “It’s amazing to start the year like this for me. It’s my first time in Perth. A lot of support today, so it was an amazing feeling to play such a difficult match.
“A tough condition, of course. More than three hours, so it doesn’t help, but super happy with the fight, with the performance, and to help the Swiss team to get to 2-0 up.”
The team will be back in action on January 7 to compete in Quarterfinal 2 against the winner of Group E in the night session.
Italy and France will square off on Tuesday, both bidding to secure second place in Group C.
According to the rules, group winners in each city advance to the quarterfinals, with one quarterfinal spot in each city awarded to the best runner-up.
Format
Running from January 2 through 11, 2026, the competition reunites a high-caliber 18-nation field in a mixed team format.
Each team line-up consists of six players and their captain; the 18 teams are split into nine groups between the host cities of Perth and Sydney.
USA, Spain, Argentina (Group A), Greece, Japan, Great Britain (Group E), Switzerland, Italy, and France (Group C) are all based in Perth.
Meanwhile, the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney hosts action for Team Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, China, Australia (host country), Czechia, and Norway.
Sydney will also host the semifinals, followed by the United Cup Final on Sunday, 11, 2026.