The 2026 tennis season is almost upon us, and the United Cup is set to kick off the opening week of action. As the new year begins, several tennis stars are gearing up for an exciting start Down Under. Sydney and Perth will once again host the round-robin stage of the mixed-gender competition, offering players a chance to immerse themselves in local culture before the season begins. The first matches will take place on January 2nd, with Argentina facing Spain in Perth during the opening day session, followed by Japan's match against Greece in the evening. The action will continue on Saturday, with the U.S. defending its title against Argentina at night, and the home favorites opening against Norway in the evening prime time slot. The Tennis Channel App will be streaming the United Cup, so be sure to tune in and catch all the action! But here's where it gets interesting: some stars have been spotted enjoying some local wildlife, like quokkas and koalas, taking memorable selfies. And for those who love surfing, Ruud has been catching waves, adding a touch of adventure to their off-court lives. So, as the season begins, get ready for some thrilling matches and unique experiences from these tennis stars.