© Getty Images (Ruud, Swiatek), Andrew Eichenholz/ATP Tour (Auger-Aliassime & Mboko)
The first matches of the 2026 tennis season are nearly upon us, with the United Cup headlining the opening week of action.
Sydney and Perth once again serve as host cities for the round-robin stage of the mixed-gender competition. As players get set to kick off their campaigns, opportunities to take in local culture before the New Year have been sprinkled in with team training sessions.
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Victoria Mboko and Felix Auger-Aliassime visited the Sydney Zoo with their Canadian teammates.
© Andrew Eichenholz/ATP Tour
Down at URBNSURF wave park, surf was definitely up for Casper Ruud and his fellow Norwegians.
© Corbis via Getty Images
Team China also soaked up the animal sightings, as Zhang Zhizhen and Zhu Lin were spotted feeding kangaroos.
© Andrew Eichenholz/ATP Tour
Iga Swiatek, who will bid to complete a Career Grand Slam at the upcoming Australian Open, was all smiles during her final practice of 2025 in Sydney.
© 2025 Robert Prange
As was the No. 1 Australian on the WTA Tour, Maya Joint.
© 2025 Robert Prange
Naomi Osaka and Team Japan visited Rottnest Island during the day, with an all-important quokka selfie on the list of priorities.
© 2025 Getty Images
Emma Raducanu made sure not to miss out on documenting the experience with the iconic photo op, too.
© 2025 Getty Images
The day prior, Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz stopped by Cottesloe Beach for a round of beach tennis with local juniors.
© 2025 Getty Images
Read: What to watch for at the season-opening United Cup
United Cup action launches January 2. Argentina faces Spain in Perth during the opening day session before Japan takes on Greece in the evening.
Come Saturday, both cities will be underway. The U.S. begins its title defense against Argentina at night, while the home favorites open against Norway in primetime.
