Christmas is a time for being with family and friends, enjoying the time off while immersing yourself in the holiday spirit. For others, it is the chance to put on a show on the tennis court, with some of the biggest stars in tennis travelling to Macau to compete in the Macau Tennis Masters between 27th-28th December.

It will be a golden opportunity for players to regain match fitness and sharpness ahead of the start of the 2026 campaign Down Under. The United Cup and events in Adelaide and Brisbane culminate this, with the athletes desperate to start with a bang.

The schedule for the event sees a ‘Captain Challenge’ which is a clash between Li Na and Conchita Martínez. This will be followed by two men’s single matches and a mixed doubles clash. Day two also kicks off with another ‘Captain Challenge’ with a women’s single match and two more men’s matches finishing off the event.

Draper and Mensik star in men’s sideAfter missing multiple months due to an arm injury, Jack Draper is looking to get back to his best form. This involves competing in tournaments and regaining his sharpness on the court. Exhibitions seem the way to go for the British number one, who will compete in Macau before heading off to Australia to compete in the United Cup for the first time, teamed up with Emma Raducanu.

Draper was diagnosed with bone bruising on his left arm after his second-round defeat at Wimbledon against former US Open champion Marin Cilic. He sat out the North American hardcourt swing ahead of the US Open but was forced to pull out ahead of his second match after his injury worsened. He has not returned to the court since. He will make his return ahead of Macau in the UTS Grand Final, where he has entered as a wildcard.

Jakub Mensik has also competed in a UTS event this year in Hong Kong, but will not be in the Grand Final, with his attention turned to Macau. He recently withdrew from the Paris Masters, ending his tournament season with the Davis Cup the only thing remaining on his schedule. After Christmas, the Miami Open champion will turn his attention to Macau, with a big 2026 incoming for the 20-year-old.

There will also be a Chinese representative in the form of Shang Juncheng. The 20-year-old made his country proud in the 2024 Chengdu Open after defeating Lorenzo Musetti in the final for his maiden ATP title. Now up to number 47th in the world, he is one of the stars in Chinese tennis.

Andreeva and Eala set to clashThe two themes of the event are ‘Play. Celebrate. Repeat.’ and “Women Power.’ The latter will be well-represented by two of the most promising youngsters on the WTA tour: Mirra Andreeva and Alexandra Eala.Andreeva was desperately unlucky to miss out on the WTA Finals, with the Russian being pipped at the post by Elena Rybakina after she chose to skip the Pan Pacific Open. The 18-year-old started the year with so much promise, winning two WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells. However, she has not been able to keep up the imperious form she showcased at the start of 2025. Andreeva will be hoping to get back to her best in 2026, with her looking to put on a show in front of the Macau crowd.

Eala will be hoping to do the same. The Filippino breaking onto the scene in a fantastic season, winning her first WTA title in Guadalajara along with a final in Eastbourne and a surprising semi-final run at the Miami Open. Close to her home country, Eala will not have to travel far for the event.