The top American female player changes hands as Albright advances decisively to face a tough opponent; the world No. 15 suffers an upset loss to a disabled player.

Spend three minutes every day to catch up on all things tennis worldwide. Greetings to all tennis enthusiasts, today is Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Welcome to the midday news update presented by "Tennis Home."

Last night Beijing time, the 2026 United Cup mixed team tennis tournament wrapped up its fourth day, determining two additional quarterfinal spots. In Perth's Group A, the USA-Spain match extended beyond five hours. After Gauff unexpectedly lost 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-0 to Manero without winning a game in the final set, Fritz battled for 3 hours and 13 minutes, saving a match point and narrowly defeating Munar 7-6(4), 3-6, 7-6(6), leveling the tie for the USA. In the deciding mixed doubles, the American pair Gauff and C. Harrison defeated Caballe-Reimers and Cervantes 7-6(5), 6-0, securing a 2-1 victory over Spain and a place in the quarterfinals.

Notably, after Gauff’s bagel defeat, her world ranking points dropped to 6273, allowing compatriot Anisimova (6287 points) to surpass her and claim the position as America’s top female player. Meanwhile, Anisimova rose to a career-high third place, becoming the new No. 1 American woman.

In Sydney's Group F clash between Germany and Poland, Poland secured a 3-0 win thanks to Hurkacz’s 6-3, 6-4 victory over Zverev, Swiatek’s comeback 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win against Lis, and a mixed doubles triumph.

In Group D, the Czech Republic swept Norway 3-0 with singles wins from Krejcikova and Menšík and a mixed doubles victory. Norway lost both matches and was eliminated, while the Czech team will compete with Australia for the group’s top spot.

In Group E, Greece defeated Great Britain 2-1, powered by wins from Tsitsipas and Sakari, remaining undefeated with two wins to top the group and advance to the quarterfinals.

At 7:30 AM Beijing time today, the fifth day of the United Cup group stage begins. Group B sees Canada face Belgium; Group D features Australia against the Czech Republic for first place; and Group C has Italy playing France.

Let’s turn to other tournaments. Last night Beijing time, the ATP 250 Hong Kong event completed its first day. Chinese player Wu Yibing performed impressively, defeating Hungarian veteran Marozsan 6-4, 6-2 to claim his first win of the season. In the second round, he will face Russian star Rublev.

Young player Zhou Yi was overturned by Chilean Tabillo in the final qualifying round 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, missing the main draw. Later in doubles, partnering with Zhu Kaihong, they lost 7-6(6), 3-6, 9-11 to Aribazhe/Olivetti, suffering two losses in one day. Wildcard duo Huang Zelin and Diallo advanced to the second round after defeating Argentine pair Comesana/Echeverri 7-6(7), 3-6, 10-6.

At the ATP 250 Brisbane event, in a key first-round match last night Beijing time, Russian star Medvedev cruised past Hungarian Vsvovitz 6-2, 6-3 to reach the second round. Meanwhile, Shanghai Masters champion Varvara from Monaco was upset by American Korda 7-6, 6-3, exiting in the first round.

At the WTA 500 Brisbane tournament, players including Yastremska, Kalinskaya, Gajdki, Fletcher, Burel, and Keys all won their first-round matches. However, three-time champion and Czech star Ka.Pliskova withdrew due to injury. Tonight at 6 PM Beijing time, Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai will face Kazakhstan’s Leybakina in the second round. Best of luck to Zhang!

At the WTA 250 Auckland event, in a first-round upset, No. 2 seed and world No. 15 Navarro was defeated by British player Jones, who has a hand disability and only eight fingers, with scores of 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, resulting in an early exit. Jones also earned her first career victory against a top-20 opponent.

Mexican player Zarazua eliminated wildcard and former US Open champion Stephens 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, advancing to the second round where she will face China’s No. 2 Wang Xinyu.

Finally, let’s play a guessing game. The photo below shows a retired player on vacation. Without any hints, can you identify who she is?

Last time’s guess was correct. The person in the photo is Austrian star Thiem. Here is the full picture.

(Source: Tennis Home Author: Independent Thinker)