Team Canada opened its 2026 United Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over China in Sydney on Sunday, January 4. The win in the mixed-team tennis tournament was anchored by strong performances from veteran Felix Auger-Aliassime and rising star Marina Mboko.
Auger-Aliassime Sets the Tone with Decisive Win
Felix Auger-Aliassime delivered a commanding performance to give Canada an early lead. The Montreal native faced China's top male player, Zhizhen Zhang, in the opening singles rubber. Auger-Aliassime's powerful serve and aggressive baseline play proved too much for his opponent, as he secured a straight-sets victory. The win was a crucial confidence booster for the Canadian squad and set a positive tone for the rest of the tie.
Mboko Clinches the Tie for Canada
With the overall score level after the second singles match, the pressure fell on 18-year-old Marina Mboko. The young Canadian, facing a more experienced Chinese opponent, displayed remarkable composure. Mboko's consistent groundstrokes and tactical intelligence allowed her to control the match's tempo. Her victory in the decisive rubber sealed the overall team win for Canada, showcasing the depth of talent emerging in Canadian tennis.
Mixed Doubles Sees China Grab a Consolation Point
With the team result already decided, the final mixed doubles match was played for a single point in the group standings. The Chinese pair managed to edge out the Canadian duo, finalizing the score at 2-1 for Canada. While this denied Canada a clean sweep, it did not dampen the significance of the team's successful start in the tournament's group stage.
The United Cup victory is a promising start for Canada as it aims to advance from its group. The team's blend of established stars like Auger-Aliassime and promising newcomers like Mboko will be tested again as the tournament progresses in Sydney.
