ATP Tour and WTA 2026: Schedule of Play for Saturday January 3 for the United Cup
2026 Tennis Season – Week 1 Daily Schedule of Play
LINK: United Cup Schedule
United Cup | Brisbane International | Hong Kong ATP Tour 250 | ASB Classic Auckland
The opening week of the 2026 ATP Tour and WTA tennis season brings a packed global schedule as players shake off the offseason and battle for early momentum on hard courts across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. From team competition at the United Cup to high-quality individual draws in Brisbane, Hong Kong, and Auckland, every day delivers meaningful matches and ranking implications.
Below is a day-by-day schedule of play preview for each tournament, outlining what fans can expect as the season officially gets underway.
UNITED CUP 2026 – DAILY SCHEDULE OF PLAY
Locations: Perth & Sydney
Dates: January 2–11, 2026
Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
Days 1–4 | Group Stage Begins
The United Cup opens with round-robin group ties, featuring three matches per tie:
Women’s Singles
Mixed Doubles
Each day includes multiple national ties, split between Perth and Sydney, with daytime and evening sessions.
What to Expect:
Top singles players opening their seasons
Early mixed doubles chemistry tests
Nations jockeying for quarterfinal qualification
These opening days are critical — every match counts toward progression.
Days 5–6 | Final Group Matches
As the group stage concludes, intensity rises sharply.
Daily Focus:
Decisive singles rubbers
Must-win mixed doubles matches
Tie-break scenarios determining group winners
Only group winners and the best runners-up advance, making these days some of the most dramatic of the tournament.
Day 7 | Quarterfinals
The knockout rounds begin.
Schedule Highlights:
Two quarterfinal ties per day
Each tie featuring three matches
Increased crowd intensity and prime-time scheduling
Expect top nations to shorten rotations and rely heavily on their No.1 singles players.
Day 8 | Semifinals
Only four nations remain.
Key Elements:
Elite singles matchups
High-pressure mixed doubles
Tactical lineup decisions
These ties often feel like Grand Slam finals in atmosphere.
Day 9 | UNITED CUP FINAL
The season’s first major trophy is decided.
Final Day Format:
Men’s Singles
Women’s Singles
Mixed Doubles (if needed)
A championship moment to launch the 2026 season in style.
BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL presented by ANZ – DAILY SCHEDULE
ATP 250 & WTA 500
Dates: January 4–11, 2026
Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
Days 1–2 | First Round
The Brisbane International begins with full first-round action across both tours.
Daily Schedule Includes:
WTA singles opening matches
ATP main draw openers
Doubles matches beginning late in the day
Early rounds often feature returning champions and players testing form after offseason training blocks.
Days 3–4 | Second Round
Momentum starts to build.
What Fans Will See:
Top seeds entering the draw
Faster match pace and cleaner ball-striking
Key tests for players returning from injury or offseason changes
Night sessions become increasingly important as crowds grow.
Day 5 | Quarterfinals
The tournament sharpens.
Daily Focus:
Four quarterfinals per draw
Doubles semifinals
Shorter match days, higher quality tennis
Expect big servers and aggressive baseliners to thrive on Brisbane’s fast courts.
Day 6 | Semifinals
Championship contenders emerge.
Schedule Highlights:
Two ATP semifinals
Two WTA semifinals
Prime-time centre court matches
These matches often provide a strong indicator of Australian Open readiness.
Day 7 | FINALS DAY
Titles are on the line.
Finals Schedule:
WTA Singles Final
ATP Singles Final
Doubles Finals (earlier sessions)
A marquee day on the Australian tennis calendar.
BANK OF CHINA HONG KONG TENNIS OPEN – DAILY SCHEDULE
ATP 250
Dates: January 4–11, 2026
Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
Days 1–2 | Opening Round
The Hong Kong Open begins with a full slate of first-round matches.
Daily Flow:
Singles matches spread across two main courts
Doubles opening rounds in afternoon sessions
Evening matches under lights
Conditions tend to reward disciplined baseline play.
Days 3–4 | Second Round
With the field narrowed, match quality increases noticeably.
What to Watch:
Top seeds entering play
Rising Asian players facing elite opposition
Tactical, physical rallies in humid conditions
Day 5 | Quarterfinals
The tournament reaches its business end.
Schedule Highlights:
Four singles quarterfinals
Doubles semifinals
Compact, fan-friendly match days
Day 6 | Semifinals
Only four players remain.
Expect:
Late-night finishes
Physical battles
Tactical chess matches from the baseline
Day 7 | FINAL
The Hong Kong champion is crowned.
Final Day Includes:
ATP Singles Final
Doubles Final
A valuable ATP title ahead of Melbourne.
ASB CLASSIC AUCKLAND – DAILY SCHEDULE
WTA 250
Dates: January 5–11, 2026
Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
Days 1–2 | First Round
The ASB Classic opens with competitive early-round action.
Daily Schedule:
Full singles first round
Doubles opening matches
Afternoon and evening sessions
A popular stop for players looking to sharpen match fitness.
Days 3–4 | Second Round
The draw tightens.
What to Expect:
Top seeds joining the field
Rising players testing themselves against former champions
Shorter rallies as confidence grows
Day 5 | Quarterfinals
The Auckland title race heats up.
Schedule Focus:
Four quarterfinals
Doubles semifinals
Strong local attendance and atmosphere
Day 6 | Semifinals
Finalists are decided.
Key Themes:
Experience vs youth
Physical endurance after a long week
High-quality serving and returning
Day 7 | FINAL
The ASB Classic champion lifts the trophy.
Final Day Program:
WTA Singles Final
Doubles Final
A perfect springboard into Australian Open qualifying week.
Final Thoughts: Opening Week Sets the Tone
The first week of the 2026 tennis season is more than just a warm-up — it’s where narratives begin, confidence is built, and contenders separate themselves early. With elite competition across four continents, fans are treated to wall-to-wall tennis from the very first ball of the year.
Stay tuned as these tournaments unfold — the road to the Australian Open starts here.
The post ATP Tour and WTA 2026: Schedule of Play for Saturday January 3 for the United Cup appeared first on Tennis Connected.
