United Cup Prediction: Belinda Bencic vs Jasmine Paolini
04:00 AM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Belinda Bencic +110 / Jasmine Paolini -153
Tournament Details
Tournament name: United Cup
Host cities: Perth, Sydney
Date: 2 – 11 January 2026
Field: 18 countries
Total prize money: $11,806,190
Tie: Switzerland vs Italy
Belinda Bencic vs Jasmine Paolini Preview
Belinda Bencic kicked off her 2026 season with a clinical performance against Leolia Jeanjean as Switzerland swept aside France 3-0 in the tie. Bencic set the tone with a straight-sets win over Jeanjean that took 18 games to decide. The match lasted an hour and 32 minutes. Bencic prevailed 6-2, 6-4.
In the victory, Bencic accounted for 2 double faults, but did not hit any aces. She landed 73% of first serves in play and won 78% of first serve points (28/36). Bencic won 62% of second serve points (8/13) and saved one of two break points in the match.
The World No. 11 was called into action in the mixed doubles rubber, teaming with Jakub Paul when Switzerland’s victory was already confirmed. They beat Rakotomanga and Roger-Vasselin 10-2 in the deciding 10-point tiebreak.
Jasmine Paolini will begin her season at the United Cup in a key tie between Italy and Switzerland that could decide who qualifies top of the group. Paolini has been the heartbeat of the Italian team in team competitions, winning the Billie Jean King Cup in successive years.
Last year, Paolini helped Italy achieve a quarterfinal finish in the United Cup with a pair of singles wins. One of those was against Bencic earlier in the group stage. The 29-year-old completed her second season ranked firmly in the world’s top 10 after winning a second WTA 1000 title of her career in Rome.
Belinda Bencic vs Jasmine Paolini Head-To-Head
Bencic and Paolini have met four times at all levels. The head-to-head is tied at 2-2. Paolini won each of their two meetings in 2025, including in the United Cup 12 months ago.
Belinda Bencic vs Jasmine Paolini Prediction
Paolini outplayed Bencic in this very tournament 12 months ago, but it could be argued that it was in the early stages of Bencic’s return after her maternity leave. The Swiss quickly found her rhythm after the event and went on to enjoy a resurgent season. I’m on Bencic here. She’s got a world-class backhand and is one of the players with a sturdy defense to counter Paolini’s forehand shot.