Team Netherlands is back for a second shot at the United Cup, looking for redemption after narrowly missing out on a quarterfinal berth in 2024.
In an unlikely moment of symmetry, the Dutch find themselves back in Sydney and once again placed in Group F – the precise setting of their last campaign.
It was here they delivered a performance strong enough to match eventual qualifiers Norway in ties won, matches won, and set percentage, yet fell agonisingly short on the games-won ratio.
This time around, the Dutch face a formidable challenge in two-time finalists Team Poland and 2024 champions Team Germany.
TICKETS: Cheer on Team Netherlands at Ken Rosewall Arena
RELATED: Third time lucky for Team Poland at United Cup 2026?
Leading the charge is world No. 26 Tallon Griekspoor, who has a personal score to settle after being edged out in both of his rubbers in the 2024 United Cup.
The only team captain to also be listed as their No.1 player, Griekspoor aims to be a strong leader no matter the outcome of his individual results.
“I'm not really the guy who is going to sit by myself and cry about my singles,” Griekspoor said after his 2024 singles loss to Team Norway’s Casper Ruud.
“[I’m] trying to be there to help the team. It's a team event. It's something I like, and I'm really happy with how they did.”
The 29-year-old enters the 2026 season after a strong year on tour where he claimed the ATP 250 title in Mallorca, reached the fourth round of Grand Slam for the first time at Roland Garros, and re-gained his place in the world’s top 30.
Joining Griekspoor as a singles player for Team Netherlands is Suzan Lamens, who is coming off a landmark year on tour and making her United Cup debut.
Lamens made her Grand Slam main-draw debut at Australian Open 2025 and went on to compete in every major along with eight of the 10 WTA 1000 events for the first time.
The 26-year-old reached a career-high ranking of world No.57 in September, holding her place as the sole Dutch woman in the year-end WTA top 100.
The Dutch squad’s depth is further bolstered by a deadly mixed doubles duo, with 2025 Wimbledon men’s doubles finalist David Pel paired with former women’s doubles world No.7 Demi Schuurs, who has reached the semifinals in mixed doubles at both Roland Garros and the Paris Olympics.
Team Netherlands may not be the obvious favourite to finish atop Group F, but they certainly can cause an upset in any of their matches based on the squad members’ recent form.
Their quest begins on 4 January when they take on Team Germany – led by world No.3 Alexander Zverev – at Ken Rosewall Arena.
