Argentina started its 2026 United Cup campaign strongly on Friday, defeating Spain 3-0 in a clean sweep during the opening matches in Perth, Australia. Solana Sierra and Sebastian Baez secured crucial singles victories, setting the tone for their nation's dominant performance at the RAC Arena. The Argentine mixed doubles team then sealed the perfect team win, giving Argentina a significant boost in Group A.^[1][2][3][4] ### Sierra Secures Decisive Win World No. 66 Solana Sierra delivered a gritty performance to clinch Argentina's win, overcoming Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, ranked 41st, in a three-set battle. Sierra ultimately triumphed with a score of 6-4, 5-7, 6-0.^[1][5][2] The match lasted just over two hours, showcasing Sierra's resilience on the court.^[1][5][2][3] Sierra started strong, breaking Bouzas Maneiro to take the first set 6-4.^[1] She then built a commanding 5-2 lead in the second set, appearing close to a straight-sets victory.^[1][2] However, Bouzas Maneiro mounted a comeback, winning five consecutive games to unexpectedly take the second set 7-5.^[1] Despite this setback, Sierra regrouped impressively in the deciding third set. She allowed her opponent only eight points in the final set, reeling off six games in a row to secure the match with a decisive 6-0 score.^[1][5][2] This victory marks Sierra's third career win against a Top 50 ranked player.^[5][2] After the match, the 21-year-old expressed her satisfaction. "It was a really tough match. I just tried to focus on my game," Sierra told reporters. "I was doing really good, then at 5-2 in the second set, I was not playing too good. But I'm really proud of how I kept going in the third set."^[2] She also shared her excitement about representing her country. "I'm super happy to start the year competing and representing Argentina. It's a different week, sharing the week with all the team. We are enjoying every moment."^[2][6] ### Baez Delivers Strong Start for Argentina Earlier in the day, Sebastian Baez, ranked 45th in the world, gave Argentina its first point by defeating Spain's Jaume Munar, ranked 33rd. Baez secured a straight-sets victory, winning 6-4, 6-4 in a match that lasted one hour and 43 minutes.^[5][2][4][6] This match marked the beginning of the 2026 ATP Tour season.^[5][6] Baez showed composure throughout his match against Munar. He secured a crucial break at 4-4 in the first set before serving out the set.^[1][5][6] In the second set, after trading breaks early, Baez broke Munar again to take a 4-3 lead, maintaining his advantage to close out the match.^[1][5][6] Baez managed to save four out of six break points he faced during the contest.^[5] This win was significant for Baez, marking his first Top 50 victory since winning the title in Rio last February.^[5][2] Baez was pleased with his performance and the team's start. "I really enjoyed this moment, enjoyed the time on court, so happy to have won this point for Argentina," he stated.^[2][4][6][7] His victory improved his head-to-head record against Munar to 2-0.^[5][2][3] ### Doubles Team Completes Sweep Argentina completed its dominant performance with a victory in the mixed doubles rubber. Maria Lourdes Carle and Guido Andreozzi teamed up to defeat Spain's Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers and Inigo Cervantes. The Argentine pair won in straight sets, 7-6(6), 6-2, securing the 3-0 clean sweep for their nation.^{[1][2][3][4][6][8]} This final win underlined Argentina's collective strength and team synergy in the opening round of the tournament.^[6] ### Argentina's United Cup Ambitions The United Cup is a mixed-gender team tennis tournament organized by the ATP and WTA, kicking off the international tennis season.^[4][9] The 2026 edition features 18 teams drawn into six groups, with matches played in Perth and Sydney.^{[4][9][10][11]} Each tie consists of one men's singles, one women's singles, and one mixed doubles match.^{[4][7][9][11]} Group winners and two best-performing runners-up advance to the quarter-finals.^[4][7][8] Argentina is competing in Group A in Perth, alongside Spain and the United States.^{[1][5][10][11]} This opening victory is a crucial step for Argentina, which aims to advance past the group stage for the first time in its three appearances at the United Cup.^[5][2][3] The team's strong start, especially with wins from its highest and second-highest ranked players, provides significant confidence.^[5][2][3] Following this impressive win, Argentina will now prepare to face top seeds and defending champions Team USA in their next Group A match.^[1][2] Spain, having suffered a 3-0 defeat, faces an uphill battle to keep its quarter-final hopes alive as they prepare to play against the United States.^[1][12] This emphatic 3-0 sweep against Spain marks a powerful start for Argentina in the 2026 United Cup, positioning them as strong contenders for advancement in the tournament.

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