• Stan Wawrinka faces Sebastian Báez in the United Cup quarterfinals at RAC Arena in Perth.
• Wawrinka, 40, has shown vintage shotmaking but has endured long matches; Báez brings pace, defense and momentum.
• Prediction: Wawrinka to edge Báez in a three-set classic; Belinda Bencic expected to beat Solana Sierra.
• Team Belgium vs Czech Republic sees Barbora Krejcikova and Zizou Bergs tipped to advance in tight singles.
United Cup quarterfinals — quick context
The United Cup quarterfinals move to the RAC Arena in Perth for the night session. Team Switzerland meet Team Argentina in a tie that could hinge on the experience and firepower of Stan Wawrinka. Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic and Wawrinka have both been dependable in group play; Argentina counter with Solana Sierra and Sebastian Báez.
H2: Wawrinka vs Báez — what to expect
Stan Wawrinka (40) has been one of the tournament’s headline stories. Even in what he has billed as his final season on tour, his backhand and ability to produce match-defining winners remain elite. He’s also shown a tendency for marathon encounters this week, which could test his physical reserves.
Sebastián Báez arrives in Perth with growing confidence after a big win over Taylor Fritz. Báez mixes strong baseline defense, quick footwork and well-timed aggression. He served well in his recent upset and will likely use his consistency and retrieval skills to force Wawrinka into extended rallies.
Match dynamics
Wawrinka holds the edge in raw shotmaking — particularly from his one-handed backhand — and will look to shorten points with heavy, flat strikes. Báez will try to neutralize that by maintaining depth, redirecting pace and exploiting any dip in Wawrinka’s movement as matches lengthen. If Báez serves at a high level, he can snatch momentum. If Wawrinka finds his rhythm early, he can dictate with bigger ball and finish points.
Prediction
Wawrinka in 3. Expect a close, high-quality match that swings on a few pivotal service games and Wawrinka’s ability to produce winners under pressure. The veteran’s experience in big moments gives him a narrow edge, but Báez’s stamina and defensive skills make this a potential classic.
H2: Other quarterfinal singles picks
Team Switzerland vs Team Argentina
- Belinda Bencic vs Solana Sierra — Prediction: Bencic in 2. Bencic’s form and clean ball-striking make her the favourite.
Team Belgium vs Team Czech Republic
- Elise Mertens vs Barbora Krejcikova — Prediction: Krejcikova in 3. The Czech’s variety and tactical game should prevail.
- Zizou Bergs vs Jakub Menšík — Prediction: Bergs in 3. Bergs’ confidence after a big upset gives him an outside edge in a close match.
[Embed from Getty Images: https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2254226719]
Final note
Expect tight ties and a few momentum swings in Perth. Wawrinka’s last-season narrative adds flair, but each singles match looks finely poised — making the night session must-watch tennis for neutral fans and supporters alike.
Image Referance: https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2026/01/06/united-cup-quarterfinal-predictions-wawrinka-baez/
