The 2026 Davis Cup season is set to begin in exciting fashion, with several of the world’s biggest tennis names confirmed for the opening round of qualifiers. Among the standout players scheduled to compete are former Grand Slam finalist Marin Čilić and Japanese star Kei Nishikori, adding further star power to an already compelling international lineup.
The official draw for the first round of the 2026 Davis Cup qualifiers has now been released, highlighting a marquee encounter between Great Britain and Norway. That highly anticipated tie will launch the competition on 5–6 February and promises to deliver top-level action as two strong tennis nations battle for progression. In addition to this headline clash, 12 other ties will take place across the same week, scheduled either for 6–7 February or 7–8 February, ensuring a packed start to the season.
Leading the British team is world No. 10 Jack Draper, who will spearhead his nation’s campaign as they travel to Oslo to face Norway. The hosts will be inspired by the presence of world No. 12 Casper Ruud, who will enjoy home support as he aims to guide his country past the British challenge. The Draper-versus-Ruud matchup is expected to be one of the most closely watched duels of the opening round, given both players’ recent success on the ATP Tour.
The 2026 Davis Cup season is set to begin in exciting fashion, with several of the world’s biggest tennis names confirmed for the opening round of qualifiers. Among the standout players scheduled to compete are former Grand Slam finalist Marin Čilić and Japanese star Kei Nishikori, adding further star power to an already compelling international lineup.
The official draw for the first round of the 2026 Davis Cup qualifiers has now been released, highlighting a marquee encounter between Great Britain and Norway. That highly anticipated tie will launch the competition on 5–6 February and promises to deliver top-level action as two strong tennis nations battle for progression. In addition to this headline clash, 12 other ties will take place across the same week, scheduled either for 6–7 February or 7–8 February, ensuring a packed start to the season.
Leading the British team is world No. 10 Jack Draper, who will spearhead his nation’s campaign as they travel to Oslo to face Norway. The hosts will be inspired by the presence of world No. 12 Casper Ruud, who will enjoy home support as he aims to guide his country past the British challenge. The Draper-versus-Ruud matchup is expected to be one of the most closely watched duels of the opening round, given both players’ recent success on the ATP Tour.
Draper will be supported by Cameron Norrie, the 2022 Wimbledon semi-finalist, as Great Britain looks to make a stronger impression than in the previous season. The British number one returns to competitive action following an arm injury that forced him to withdraw from the US Open before his second-round match in late August. His comeback will be closely monitored as fans and analysts assess his fitness and form in a high-pressure team environment. Notably, neither Great Britain nor Norway managed to advance beyond the first-round qualifiers last year, adding extra motivation on both sides.
Elsewhere, Japan will be led by Olympic bronze medallist Kei Nishikori when they host Austria from 6–7 February. Nishikori, a veteran of international competition and one of Asia’s most accomplished tennis players, will look to use his experience to steer Japan into the next phase of the tournament. His presence brings added prestige and competitiveness to the tie, especially on home soil.
Croatia, meanwhile, will rely on Marin Čilić as they face Denmark over the same two-day window. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist has been working his way back to top form following knee surgery, and his selection signals confidence in his recovery and leadership. Čilić’s resurgence could prove vital as Croatia aims to re-establish itself as a major force in the Davis Cup.
Looking ahead, the 13 nations that emerge victorious from this first round will advance to the second round of qualifiers in September. They will be joined by Spain, who earned an automatic place after finishing as runners-up in the previous season. The road to the title ultimately leads to November’s Davis Cup Final 8, which will be held in Bologna, Italy. Three-time defending champions Italy will automatically join the seven teams that qualify for the final stage, setting the scene for another thrilling conclusion to one of tennis’s most prestigious team competitions.
Draper will be supported by Cameron Norrie, the 2022 Wimbledon semi-finalist, as Great Britain looks to make a stronger impression than in the previous season. The British number one returns to competitive action following an arm injury that forced him to withdraw from the US Open before his second-round match in late August. His comeback will be closely monitored as fans and analysts assess his fitness and form in a high-pressure team environment. Notably, neither Great Britain nor Norway managed to advance beyond the first-round qualifiers last year, adding extra motivation on both sides.
Elsewhere, Japan will be led by Olympic bronze medallist Kei Nishikori when they host Austria from 6–7 February. Nishikori, a veteran of international competition and one of Asia’s most accomplished tennis players, will look to use his experience to steer Japan into the next phase of the tournament. His presence brings added prestige and competitiveness to the tie, especially on home soil.
Croatia, meanwhile, will rely on Marin Čilić as they face Denmark over the same two-day window. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist has been working his way back to top form following knee surgery, and his selection signals confidence in his recovery and leadership. Čilić’s resurgence could prove vital as Croatia aims to re-establish itself as a major force in the Davis Cup.
Looking ahead, the 13 nations that emerge victorious from this first round will advance to the second round of qualifiers in September. They will be joined by Spain, who earned an automatic place after finishing as runners-up in the previous season. The road to the title ultimately leads to November’s Davis Cup Final 8, which will be held in Bologna, Italy. Three-time defending champions Italy will automatically join the seven teams that qualify for the final stage, setting the scene for another thrilling conclusion to one of tennis’s most prestigious team competitions.
Leave a Reply