It’s a new season and a New Year, and that means it’s time for the 2026 WTA United Cup. The tournament kicks off with two really good matches on opening day. Here are our best bets for those matches. Please share your thoughts in the comments.
WTA United Cup
Bouzas Maneiro – Sierra: Time 04:30
H2H: 1-0.
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro kicks off her year against Solana Sierra. Bouzas Maneiro did not have the kind of year she hoped for in 2025, going 29-25 on the year. Bouzas Maneiro also came up empty in the tournament titles department, too. Sierra is coming off a fantastic year in which she took home four different lower-level tournaments. Two of the four were at the WTA level, and all of them were on clay. Bouzas Maneiro went 14-14 on a hardcourt in 2025, and Sierra went 7-8. Both women will need to do much better in the new year.
Best Bet to Make
The books favor Bouzas Maneiro, and I don’t disagree. While 2025 will be a big year for her, she’s set up nicely with this opening day match. Sierra is a youngster at just 21, and while she’s already won a few WTA tournaments, her best tennis is likely ahead of her. This is Sierra’s first time competing at the WTA United Cup, but Bouzas Maneiro has multiple previous appearances. If you want to play it relatively safe to open the year, you can get the over on 21 games for 1.9 on 10Bet. Their only other match went three sets, but it was at the ITF level. I still think that’s enough to grab that or over 21.5 for 2.0 on 10Bet.
That being said, Over 21 games is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/the best odds: Over 21 games @1.9 @10Bet
Sakkari – Osaka: Time 10:00
H2H: 2-3
For an unassuming opening day match, Maria Sakkari vs Naomi Osaka has a good amount of history and vigor. While they haven’t met since 2021, the two of them have played five total times, and Osaka currently leads the series 3-2. That said, Sakkari has the latest win in the quarterfinals of WTA Miami in 2021. Both of Sakkari’s wins came in straight sets, while all three of Osaka’s wins came in three sets. Four of the five matches were played on a hardcourt.
Best Bet to Make
The books have Osaka as a pretty strong favorite, and I agree. While I favor picking Osaka, I think it’s wise to pay attention to history. For whatever reason, Sakkari has been a tougher opponent for Osaka, especially in Osaka’s wins. It’s also worth noting that they’re 2-2 on a hardcourt. I like over 21.5 games for 1.95 on 10Bet. They’ve hit this number in four of their five matches. The only time the two have played fewer than 21.5 games was the last outing, which was only 16 total games. I like Osaka winning, but I like them clearing 21.5 games more.
That being said, Over 21.5 games is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/the best odds: Over 21.5 games @1.95 @10Bet
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
AloJapan.com