The quarterfinal spots for the United Cup are set, with Shang Juncheng and Huang Zelin both advancing by defeating their opponents twice, Xiao Qian lost the derby, and Xu Yang reached the semifinals.

Three minutes daily to catch up on global tennis news. Hello tennis fans, today is Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Welcome to the news midday report brought to you by "Tennis Home."

Last night Beijing time, the fifth day of the 2026 United Cup mixed team tennis tournament ended, and six quarterfinal slots were filled. In Sydney's Group D, Australia secured first place in the group and advanced to the quarterfinals by narrowly defeating the Czech team 2-1, thanks to a mixed doubles decider; in Group B, Belgium lost their opening match against China but then dominated Canada 3-0 with a mixed doubles win to clinch first place in the group and reach the quarterfinals.

At 7:30 this morning Beijing time, the sixth day of the United Cup began. In Sydney's Group F, Poland secured first place and a quarterfinal berth by Hurkacz's 6-3, 7-6(4) win over Griekspoor and Swiatek's 6-3, 6-2 victory against Rámes, winning the tie 2-0. With this, all quarterfinalists from the Sydney zone are confirmed: Australia vs Poland and Belgium vs Czech Republic in the quarterfinals.

The Perth zone's two quarterfinal matches kicked off today, with the first being the USA against Greece, followed by Switzerland facing Argentina.

Let's turn to other tournaments. Last night Beijing time, the ATP250 Hong Kong event completed its second day of competition. Both Chinese players, Shang Juncheng and Huang Zelin, performed excellently, each defeating their opponents to advance to the second round.

Shang Juncheng defeated Argentinian Comerzan 6-4, 6-4; Huang Zelin beat another Argentinian, Navone, 6-3, 7-5. In round two, their opponents will be Italy’s Sonego and Canada’s Diallo respectively. Echeverry, A. Müller, Giron, Momm, and VandeSandschup also won their matches to advance.

Notably, the three Chinese players who entered this tournament with wildcards — Wu Yibing, Shang Juncheng, and Huang Zelin — all won their first-round matches, progressing together and delighting fans. This afternoon at 3 PM, Huang Zelin will take the court first against Diallo; around 6 PM, Wu Yibing will face Rublev. Go, Chinese young players!

ATP250 Brisbane: The second seed and Spanish star Fucsovics struggled, losing 6-7(4), 4-6 to American Brandon Nakashima in a first-round exit; fourth seed American Tommy Paul also faltered, defeated by French gun Pericard 7-6(2), 3-6, 7-6(6), missing out on his comeback win; fifth seed Canadian Shapovalov was eliminated by Argentinian Coria 6-4, 6-2; returning local player Kyrgios lost 3-6, 4-6 to American Kovacevic, bowing out in the first round; meanwhile, Norrie, Higuchi Rin, Dimitrov, and others won their matches to reach the second round.

In a second-round singles match completed this morning Beijing time, this year’s Next Gen Finals champion and American rising star Learner Chen was defeated 4-6, 2-6 by compatriot Mickelson, missing out on a quarterfinal spot.

WTA500 Brisbane: In the second round singles, Spanish star Badosa came from behind to beat Czech Buzkova 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2 and will next face Kazakhstan’s Rybakina, who eliminated Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai 6-3, 7-5. Other winners advancing include Sabalenka, Kostyuk, Schneider, Muchova, Alexandrova, Pegula, and Yastremska.

WTA250 Auckland: Fourth seed and Philippines’ top player Irela staged a comeback to defeat Croatian star Vekic 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in her debut and advance; Svitolina, Bolt, Seidel, Katar, Rinnet, Kochareto, and Mashinko also celebrated opening wins.

This morning Beijing time, in a doubles quarterfinal match, Chinese duo Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan defeated Havrlag/Lumsden 6-4, 1-6, 10-5 to reach the semifinals. Around 1 PM, China’s second-ranked Wang Xinyu will play her second-round singles match against Mexican Zarazua. Best wishes to Wang!

Finally, let’s play a guessing game. The photo below shows a player training shirtless. With his face hidden and no clues given, can you identify who he is?

Last time’s guess was correct. Yes, the person in the picture is the Canadian beauty Bouchard.

(Source: Tennis Home Author: Lone Maverick)