By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, January 4, 2026Photo credit: United Cup Facebook
Swiss captain Stan Wawrinka summed up his squad’s mindset ahead of its showdown vs. Italy.
“We are just living in Belinda’s world, so we’re enjoying that,” Wawrinka said of Swiss star Belinda Bencic.
Today, Bencic played world beater carrying Switzerland past third-seeded Italy, 2-1, and into the United Cup quarterfinals in a late-night finish at Perth’s RAC Arena.
Bencic won the opening singles then partnered Jakub Paul to stun two-time reigning US Open champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori 7-5, 4-6, 10-7 in the decisive mixed doubles match setting off a celebratory spinning group hug from Team Switzerland.
The Swiss had cause for celebration as Italy has been a dominant team power winning three Davis Cup championships in a row and back-to-back Billie Jean King Cup crowns.
None of that mattered much to Bencic, who served out the mixed doubles win when Errani netted a final passing shot attempt.
“I think without this guy [Paul], I could not play,” Bencic said. “I’m so happy we played a second time together.
“Of course, the emotions of the team we’re all really into it with our hearts and I think it shows. Thanks for everyone for staying up late. It was great.”
Former Olympic gold-medal champion spoiled Jasmine Paolini’s 30th birthday stopping the former Wimbledon finalist 6-4, 6-3 to stake Switzerland to a 1-0 lead.
Italian Davis Cup hero Flavio Cobolli edged the 40-year-old Wawrinka, who continues to turn back time with his play, 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-6(4) in a two-hour, 55-minute triumph to set up the decisive singles match.
While Wawrinka had initially penciled himself in for decisive doubles, the captain wisely opted to play Paul alongside Bencic.
Though Bencic has made her mark for her singles prowess, the world No. 11 is an excellent and experienced doubles player as well.
Earlier in her career, Bencic partnered mentor and 25-time major champion Martina Hingis. Bencic and her tennis hero, Roger Federer, won successive Hopman Cup championships for Switzerland in 2018 and 2019 in Perth.
Playing with Paul, who was understandably tight at the outset of what he called “the biggest match of my career”, Bencic stabilized the Swiss side helping the team take a one-set lead.
Riding Vavassori’s crackling serve, Italy came right back to take the second set and force the decisive 10-point tiebreaker.
After Bencic netted two volleys in a row, the Italians were up 4-2. The Swiss exploited Errani’s softball serve, forcing the former French Open finalist to hit a couple of unsuccessful underarm serves.
Reigning Roland Garros mixed doubles champions Italy went up 6-5 and were four points from victory. Then Paul, reading an Errani early poach, pounded a forehand return winner down the line to level. Bencic hit a volley winner and Paul followed with a smash.
Attacking the meek Errani serve, Bencic beat Vavassori with a forehand return winner down the line to put Switzerland ahead 9-6.
On the second match point, Bencic attacked net and drew the netted reply then tossed her Yonex racquet aside embracing Paul and sending Switzerland into the quarterfinals.
Italy, which can still qualify for the quarterfinals, won one more point (71 to 70) than the Swiss side in a dramatic tie.
