Gauff and Bencic Shine in Season Debuts on Day 2
As the United Cup unfolds, Day 2 promises captivating matchups featuring top players. Coco Gauff faces Solana Sierra, while Belinda Bencic takes on Leolia Jeanjean.
Gauff and Sierra: A First Encounter
Coco Gauff, ranked No. 3 in the WTA, will meet Argentina’s Solana Sierra, who ranks No. 66. Both players are 21 years old and reached the fourth round at Wimbledon. However, Gauff’s experience with two Grand Slam titles sets her apart. Last season, she concluded with an impressive 48 wins, while Sierra had 46 victories. This marks their first professional match against each other.
Gauff expressed the excitement of facing an uncharted opponent. “Solana is a feisty player. I need to compete for every point,” she noted during a press conference in Perth. Sierra, aware of the challenge, stated, “It’s going to be tough, but I enjoy playing against top players.”
Team Context
The United States already has momentum after defeating Spain on Day 1. Gauff aims to continue her successful streak that saw her finish 5-0 last season in the United Cup. “Last year was nerve-wracking, but I hope to replicate that success,” she added.
Bencic vs. Jeanjean: A New Notch
Belinda Bencic, who earned the Comeback Player of the Year title after becoming a mother in 2024, will challenge Leolia Jeanjean. Bencic, ranked 11th, finished the previous season strongly and looks to maintain her performance into 2026.
Jeanjean, 30, fresh off a season with 47 victories at ITF and WTA 125 events, is eager to make her mark. “Playing against such talented players is a pleasure,” she remarked.
Day 2 Match Schedule
- Perth, RAC Arena
- Group C: France vs. Switzerland
- Women’s singles: Leolia Jeanjean vs. Belinda Bencic
- Men’s singles: Arthur Rinderknech vs. Stan Wawrinka
- Mixed doubles: Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah and Edouard Roger-Vasselin vs. Bencic and Wawrinka
- Group A: United States vs. Argentina
- Women’s singles: Coco Gauff vs. Solana Sierra
- Men’s singles: Taylor Fritz vs. Sebastian Baez
- Mixed doubles: Gauff and Fritz vs. Maria Lourdes Carle and Guido Andreozzi
- Sydney, Ken Rosewall Arena
- Group D: Australia vs. Norway
- Women’s singles: Maya Joint vs. Malene Helgo
- Men’s singles: Alex de Minaur vs. Casper Ruud
- Mixed doubles: Storm Hunter and John-Patrick Smith vs. Ulrikke Eikeri and Ruud
- Group A: Belgium vs. China
- Women’s singles: Elise Mertens vs. Zhu Lin
- Men’s singles: Zizou Bergs vs. Zhang Zhizhen
- Mixed doubles: Mertens and Bergs vs. Zhu and Zhang
As competition intensifies, fans look forward to thrilling encounters and unexpected results at the United Cup.
