“His arrogance is exhausting,” Mboko’s close associate said. “He told me this was just a drill for his real matches.” When questioned, Auger-Aliassime dismissed Mboko as “a project with potential, if she learns to handle the pressure I face every day.
Team Canada are ready for another shot at the United Cup title…
The Canadians have brought a strong squad to Sydney, with Felix Auger-Aliassime and Victoria Mboko leading the way.
Entering the competition as the number-two seeds, thanks to Auger-Aliassime’s ATP Tour ranking, Canada could be a real contender to win their first title in 2026.
Which country do you think will win the United Cup?
darlene.arnoldCanada
matthew.johnsI agree with George, Poland have come so close before and I think this year might be their big opportunity with Taylor Fritz seemingly struggling physically for the USA.
camerondesc1USA again – comfortably, probably.
But what do Team Canada’s top two players, Auger-Aliassime and Mboko, think about each other?
During their pre-tournament press conference, the Canadian pair shared their thoughts.
Felix Auger-Aliassime says Victoria Mboko has ‘all the qualities’ to help Canada win the United Cup
Auger-Aliassime was full of praise for Mboko, reflecting upon her breakout year on the WTA Tour.
“Vicky [Mboko] had a breakthrough year last year. Amazing year. It was so much fun to watch,” he said.
Who was the most improved player on the WTA Tour in 2025?
mgantidouAmandaaaaaa
1valerie2Belinda Bencic
kilham.maxAgree with John and Pete – Anisimova for sure. Perhaps the best backhand of the decade?
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“I think myself and teammates, and all of Canada was really proud of her.”
Auger-Aliassime is excited by the prospect of playing mixed doubles with the 2025 Canadian Open champion.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“It would be our first time being on the same team, playing together mixed. I’ve had my share of experience, so hopefully I can help a little bit.
“She’s got all the qualities we need on the court to go all the way and win.”
Mboko returned the compliment, as she looked forward to her United Cup debut.
“Previously playing the Billie Jean King Cup, I usually have a lot of fun playing [team events],” she said.
“This being the first tournament of the year, I think it’s a great start to the year.
“I’m really excited to share the court with Felix [Auger-Aliassime], as well. There’s a lot I can learn and a lot to have fun and look forward to. I think it’s going to be a great week.”
Auger-Aliassime and Mboko will begin their United Cup campaign on Sunday, January 4.
Who will Team Canada play at the United Cup?
Canada have been drawn in Group B, alongside Belgium (7th seeds) and China (18th seeds).
China upset Belgium in their opener, 2-1, to move to the top of Group B, but they likely won’t have things quite so easy when they play Canada.
Canada vs China (Expected matches)
- 1. Victoria Mboko (Canada) vs Zhu Lin (China)
- 2. Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada) vs Zhang Zhizhen (China)
- 3. Mixed doubles – TBD
Canada will then have a day off before returning on Tuesday, January 6, to play Belgium.
Canada vs Belgium (Expected matches)
- 1. Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada) vs Zizou Bergs (Belgium)
- 2. Victoria Mboko (Canada) vs Elise Mertens (Belgium)
- 3. Mixed doubles – TBD
Only time will tell if Canada will reach the quarterfinals, but how have they performed at the United Cup in recent years?
Team Canada’s United Cup record
Canada missed the inaugural United Cup in 2023 before playing the event in 2024 and 2025.
Unfortunately for Canada, they failed to reach the knockout stages of both tournaments, finishing with a 1-1 group stage record.
Group B at the 2024 United Cup
| Rank | Team | Ties W-L | Matches W-L | Sets W-L | Games W-L |
| 1 | Greece | 1-1 | 4-2 | 10-4 (71%) | 74-53 (58%) |
| 2 | Chile | 1-1 | 3-3 | 7-8 (47%) | 59-69 (46%) |
| 3 | Canada | 1-1 | 2-4 | 4-9 (31%) | 56-67 (46%) |
Group A at the 2025 United Cup
| Rank | Team | Ties W-L | Matches W-L | Sets W-L | Games W-L |
| 1 | USA | 2-0 | 5-1 | 11-2 (85%) | 76-49 (61%) |
| 2 | Canada | 1-1 | 3-3 | 7-7 (50%) | 71-66 (52%) |
| 3 | Croatia | 0-2 | 1-5 | 2-11 (15%) | 42-74 (36%) |
Ranking of second-placed teams at 2025 United Cup (Perth)
| Rank | Team | Ties W-L | Matches W-L | Sets W-L | Games W-L |
| 1 | China | 1-1 | 4-2 | 9-6 (60%) | 74-65 (53%) |
| 2 | Canada | 1-1 | 3-3 | 7-7 (50%) | 71-66 (52%) |
| 3 | Greece | 1-1 | 2-4 | 5-10 (33%) | 56-68 (45%) |
It remains to be seen if they can qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in 2026, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.