Sebastian Baez and Solana Sierra have become the first man and first woman to score tour-level wins in 2026, both posting victories in Perth, Australia as Argentina defeated Spain in the first tie of this year’s United Cup event.
Every tie at the event is a best-of-three-match format, with men’s singles, women’s singles and mixed doubles—but by winning both singles matches, Argentina already clinched victory over Spain without needing the mixed doubles.
Baez was officially the first winner of 2026 on either tour, defeating Jaume Munar in the first match of the tie, 6-4, 6-4.
The match began with some technical difficulties—Munar’s first serve was called out twice by the electronic line-calling system, and after he challenged the call it turned out the serve was in, and the point was replayed. He reset and ended up holding to love, ripping three winners in that opening game—two off the backhand and one ace.
After having the best year of his career in 2025 and coming into 2026 at a career-high ranking of No. 33, it looked like the Spaniard had picked up right where he left off. He even had break point in both of Baez’s first two service games.
But Baez held both times, broke for 3-2 and was never behind again, closing it out after an hour and 43 minutes.
“Jaume has been playing really well the last year, so I’m happy to start well this time,” the Argentine said. “The crowd was amazing. I really enjoyed this moment and the time on the court, and I’m happy to win this one for Argentina.”