Day 2 at the United Cup marks the start of the group stage play in Sydney. The fans will be in for a treat as Team Australia will be in action against Casper Ruud’s Team Norway in the evening session. But before that, Team Belgium will face off against Team China in the morning session. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every confirmed match on the slate, but which players will win?

United Cup Day 2 Predictions
Elise Mertens vs Lin Zhu

Head-to-Head: Mertens 3-1 Zhu

Elise Mertens had a successful 2025 season, finishing the year inside the top 20 for the first time since 2021. However, her form dipped towards the end of the season, and she will be looking to start strong. Lin Zhu is capable of some good tennis, but the last couple of seasons have been quiet. Mertens is a good baseliner, and Zhu will struggle if she doesn’t serve well in this match. I am going with the Belgian to give her team a winning start.

Prediction: Mertens in 2

Zizou Bergs vs Zhizhen Zhang

Head-to-Head: Bergs 2-1 Zhang

Injuries derailed Zhizhen Zhang’s 2025 season, as he was sidelined for the most part. He returned last in the season for the Asian swing but had limited success, showing rust in matches. His top priority will be to remain healthy this season and improve his ranking. Zizou Bergs showed improvement in 2025 and is going in the right direction. Zhang, at his best, can be dangerous, but it will take him some time to play at that level. I am going with Bergs to get his first United Cup win.

Prediction: Bergs in 3

Maya Joint vs Malene Helgo

Head-to-Head: first meeting

19-year-old Maya Joint had a fantastic 2025 season, winning two titles on two different surfaces. She has shown immense promise in such a short time, and Team Australia will like their chances to make a deep run with her in the ranks. Malene Helgo has gained a lot of experience at the United Cup, but she has nothing to show for it. Joint is the clear favourite in this match.

Prediction: Joint in 2

Alex de Minaur vs Casper Ruud

Head-to-Head: De Minaur 2-0 Ruud

This is the most anticipated match of Day 2 as home favourite Alex de Minaur faces former world No.2 Casper Ruud. The Australian plays his best tennis when playing for his country and is in the best phase of his career. Casper Ruud has not lost a match in the last two editions of the United Cup and will be looking to get his first win against De Minaur. This is going to be a close match, but De Minaur has the home advantage, and it will help him raise his game.

Prediction: De Minaur in 3

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports