This Week in Tennis: Canada Off to Strong Start…

Welcome to This Week in Tennis, where we catch up on all the latest and biggest stories from the ATP and WTA Tours.

Auger-Aliassime, Mboko Start 2026 Strong

Canadians Félix Auger-Aliassime and Victoria Mboko finished last season strong and picked up right where they left off to kick off 2026.

The pair led Canada to a 3-0 win over China in the round robin of the United Cup mixed teams event on Sunday.

Mboko, the No. 18-ranked player on the WTA Tour, opened the tie with a 2-6, 6-2, 6-0 win over Lin Zhu before the fifth-ranked Auger-Aliassime beat Zhang Zhizen 6-4, 6-4.

The two then teamed up to defeat Xiaodi You and Rigele Te 6-1, 6-3 to complete the sweep of the tie.

Canada will be back in action on Tuesday against Belgium.

Belinda Bencic Pushes Switzerland into United Cup Quarters

It’s been exactly one year since Belinda Bencic returned to the WTA Tour after taking time off for the birth of her daughter. She had a strong 2025, reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon for the first time en route to winning the WTA’s Comeback Player of the Year award.

The 28-year-old has carried that momentum into 2026 as she and teammate Jakub Paul pushed Switzerland into the quarter-finals of the United Cup with a thrilling 2-1 win over Italy. Bencic kicked off the tie with a win over world No. 3 Jasmine Paolini, before she and Paul teamed up to defeat Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, one of the best mixed doubles teams in the world, to clinch the victory.

Venus Williams to make Australian Open Return

Seven-time Grand Slam Champion Venus Williams will make her return to Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021, as she has received a wild-card entry for the Australian Open.

The 45-year-old will make her 22nd appearance in the tournament’s main draw, where she has a 54-21 record. She reached the final in 2003 and 2017 but has never won the event.

“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” Williams said. “I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”

Feature Photo: United Cup