Coco Gauff’s January 2026 Schedule: A Strong Start Down Under
As the 2026 WTA season kicks off, American tennis superstar Coco Gauff is set for a blockbuster January in Australia. Currently ranked World No. 3, Gauff has confirmed her participation in the prestigious mixed-team United Cup before heading to Melbourne for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open.
Here is a breakdown of her schedule for January 2026.
1. United Cup (January 2 – 11, 2026)
- Role: Team USA Lead
- Location: Perth (Group Stage) and potentially Sydney (Finals)
Gauff will officially begin her 2026 campaign representing the United States at the fourth edition of the United Cup. She headlines a formidable American squad alongside top-ranked male compatriot Taylor Fritz.
Team USA has been drawn into Group A, which will be contested in Perth. They are set to face teams from Spain and Argentina in the group stages. If the US advances through the group and knockout stages, Gauff could be playing matches through to the final in Sydney on January 11.
Why this matters: The United Cup serves as a vital warm-up for Gauff, guaranteeing her high-quality matches against other top-ranked nations while allowing her to compete in a lower-pressure team environment before the intensity of a Grand Slam.
2. Australian Open (January 12 – February 1, 2026)
- Event: First Grand Slam of the Year
- Location: Melbourne Park, Melbourne
- Dates: Main Draw begins mid-January
Immediately following the United Cup, Gauff will travel to Melbourne for the Australian Open, the centerpiece of the January calendar. The main draw is scheduled to run from January 12 to February 1.
Gauff enters the tournament as one of the heavy favorites and is expected to be a top-4 seed. She will be looking to improve upon her solid track record in Melbourne, having consistently reached the deeper stages of the tournament in previous years (including a semifinal run in 2024 and a quarterfinal appearance in 2025).
Summary of Key Dates
| Dates | Tournament | Location | Surface | Notes |
| Jan 2 – 11 | United Cup | Perth/Sydney | Hard | Team event; Season opener. |
| Jan 12 – Feb 1 | Australian Open | Melbourne | Hard | Grand Slam; Main focus of the month. |
What to Watch For:
- Physicality: With the United Cup ending just days before the Australian Open main draw begins, managing fatigue will be key for Gauff if Team USA makes a deep run to the finals.
- Form: Fans will look to the United Cup matches to gauge her off-season improvements, particularly on her serve and forehand, as she prepares to challenge rivals like Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka for the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
