Naomi Osaka wins her United Cup opener for Japan, but Britain triumphs 2-1. Switzerland beats Italy in mixed doubles to secure a quarter-final place
NAOMI Osaka began her 2026 season with a singles victory for Japan at the United Cup, after Emma Raducanu withdrew with a foot injury.
Despite Osaka’s win, Great Britain secured a 2-1 overall victory with a decisive mixed doubles triumph.
Switzerland booked its quarter-final spot by defeating Italy 2-1, with the tie decided by a mixed doubles win.
Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul beat Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori 7-5, 4-6, 10-7 to send their team through.
“There was great emotion from the team. We were into it with our hearts and it showed,” Bencic said.
Osaka defeated Britain’s reserve Katie Swan 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 in Raducanu’s absence.
“I’m proud of how I fought,” Osaka said. “I’d never played here, it was tough.”
GB captain Tim Henman said Raducanu could feature later in the tournament.
“She struggled with her foot at the end of last year. She’s very close. Tomorrow (against Greece) is a bit up in the air.”
Billy Harris, replacing the injured Jack Draper, beat Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (7/4), 6-3.
Neal Skupski and Olivia Nicholls then sealed Britain’s win by defeating Yasutaka Uchiyama and Nao Hibino 7-5, 4-6, 10-7.
Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka lost a three-set thriller to Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/4).
Bencic earlier spoiled Jasmine Paolini’s 30th birthday with a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
In Sydney, Alexander Zverev led Germany to a 3-0 sweep over the Netherlands.
The world number three demolished Tallon Griekspoor 7-5, 6-0 in his first match of the year.
“The first set, it was tough to get rhythm,” said Zverev. “Once I got the chances, I did well.”
Canada also beat China, with wins for Victoria Mboko and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The 18-nation mixed-team event in Perth and Sydney is a warm-up for the Australian Open beginning on January 18.
AloJapan.com