Final tune-ups for the 2026 season will take place in Shenzhen, China and Macau, immediately following Christmas, as some of the world’s top players like Iga Swiatek gear up for the new year. The World Tennis Continental Cup in Shenzhen will feature four ATP and four WTA players, providing fans with an early glimpse of form and chemistry ahead of the full season.
Team Europe vs Team World in Shenzhen
The format is Team Europe vs. Team World, promising fast-paced, mixed-gender competition across singles and doubles matches. Team World includes China’s own Wang Xinyu and Zhang Zhizhen, alongside experienced stars Andrey Rublev and Elena Rybakina. Representing Europe are French rising star Arthur Fils, Swiss veteran Belinda Bencic, Italy’s Davis Cup hero Flavio Cobolli, and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.
Top Talent on Display in Shenzhen
Rybakina and Swiatek are two of the WTA Tour’s most consistent and formidable performers, capable of dominating both singles and doubles. Swiatek, in particular, will bring her trademark intensity and tactical awareness, while Rybakina offers a power game that can challenge any opponent.
On the men’s side, Arthur Fils represents the exciting next generation of French talent, blending finesse with fearless shot-making. Flavio Cobolli has recently emerged as a Davis Cup hero for Italy, showcasing an ability to thrive under pressure, while Andrey Rublev brings experience and firepower to the Team World lineup. For Chinese fans, Wang Xinyu and Zhang Zhizhen offer hometown excitement and the chance to see local heroes face off against some of tennis’ global elite.
The Shenzhen event is more than just exhibition matches — it serves as a testing ground for strategy, form, and partnerships ahead of the 2026 season, giving both players and coaches valuable insights while offering fans a rare, intimate experience with top-level competition.
Macau Also Set to Host Late December Exhibition
Asia will host another high-profile exhibition in late December as Macau welcomes the MGM Macau Tennis Masters 2025 edition. The ATP lineup features Jack Draper, continuing his return from injury, top Next Gen talent Jakub Mensik, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and Chinese rising star Juncheng Shang. On the women’s side, the event mixes legends and breakout stars: Li Na, who now serves as tournament director in Hong Kong, former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martínez, Mirra Andreeva, and Alexandra Eala, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2025.
The Macau Masters demonstrates the growing significance of Asia in global tennis. The region continues to host a wide array of sanctioned tour events and high-profile exhibitions, with China offering multiple WTA tournaments such as Wuhan, alongside ATP events in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and beyond. These exhibitions not only allow fans in the region to see elite talent up close but also serve as valuable preparation for players entering the early-season swing.
Why These Exhibitions Matter
While exhibitions may not carry ranking points, they have become critical tactical and promotional platforms. Players use these events to fine-tune techniques, test new strategies, and build match fitness without the pressure of ranking points. Meanwhile, local audiences get the rare opportunity to see stars outside the usual tour calendar, helping grow tennis interest in key markets like East Asia.
For players like Draper returning from injury, or Eala and Cobolli seeking to maintain momentum for the season ahead, these exhibitions are an essential bridge between off-season training and competitive matches. Fans get more than a show; they get insight into who is ready to contend when the tour officially kicks off in January.
Main Photo Credit: Image courtesy World Tennis Continental Cup