ATP Tour and WTA 2026: Schedule of Play for Sunday January 4 for the United Cup

2026 Tennis Season – Week 1 Daily Schedule of Play

LINK: United Cup Schedule | LINK: Brisbane ATP Tour Schedule | LINK: Brisbane WTA 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:

• Men’s Singles

• 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.