On January 7, 2026, Switzerland’s mixed doubles team of Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul emerged victorious against Argentina, securing a place in the semifinals of the United Cup. The duo triumphed with a score of 6-3, 6-3, clinching a 2-1 victory for their country at the RAC Arena in Perth.
This win positioned Switzerland at the top of Group C, allowing them to advance alongside the United States, the defending champions. In the semifinals, Switzerland is set to face either Belgium or Czechia for a chance to compete in the final.
Bencic’s exceptional performance has been a cornerstone for the Swiss team, as highlighted by captain Stan Wawrinka’s succinct declaration about their success: “Belinda.” Throughout the Group stage, she has significantly contributed to six of Switzerland’s seven victories.
Reflecting on her partnership with Paul, Bencic noted the importance of their familiar backgrounds, stating, “I actually know him from earlier. He was also playing against my brother back in the days. I know that he’s a great doubles player right now.” She acknowledged Paul’s rising status in doubles, emphasizing the chemistry that enhances their on-court performance. “We have great energy on the court, and it definitely feels like when you are playing, you’re not even allowed to let them down. They’re always pushing you,” she added.
Earlier in the matches, Bencic kicked things off on a strong note by defeating Solana Sierra 6-2, 6-2, establishing an early lead for Switzerland. However, the contest took a turn when Argentina’s Sebastian Baez leveled the competition by overcoming Wawrinka 7-5, 6-4. Baez delivered an outstanding performance, not dropping serve while managing to handle 11 aces from the seasoned three-time Grand Slam winner. His victories throughout the week included impressive wins against Jaume Munar and Taylor Fritz.
Wawrinka acknowledged Baez’s development, stating, “He went for it. He didn’t surprise me… he was putting more pressure. It was more difficult.” He added that missed opportunities contributed to his struggle, attributing Baez’s excellence during the match to his own pressure.
Wawrinka’s decision to retain Bencic and Paul for the mixed doubles proved to be a strategic choice, as they propelled Switzerland to success. Paul expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that playing alongside Bencic was a rewarding experience, remarking that having Wawrinka’s confidence in his abilities helped the team’s performance.
With this win, Switzerland continues to gain momentum in the United Cup, setting the stage for a thrilling semifinal showdown as they aim to secure a spot in the tournament’s final.
