UNITED CUP

January 12, 2026

Stan Wawrinka

Belinda Bencic

Jakub Paul

Luca Castelnuovo

Naima Karamoko

Team Switzerland

Press Conference

Team Poland - 2

Team Switzerland - 1

THE MODERATOR: Team Switzerland, you had an amazing 10 days. You have the MVP of the United Cup in Belinda. Just a few words from the captain about this incredible experience in Perth and Sydney.

STAN WAWRINKA: Yeah, more than MVP, she's been leading this team since day one. She's been amazing on the court and also off the court.

We all would like to thank you, Belinda, for everything you're doing to help us being a better tennis player and outside. I know how difficult it is, but you show us again today what a big champion you are. Thank you very much.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. How proud were you of winning nine of 10 matches and how proud of the team were you overall?

BELINDA BENCIC: Thank you. Now I think in the end there's always bittersweet emotions if you lose in the final. We did the best we could. I think we went beyond our expectations.

Thanks so much for the nice words. It really means so much, especially from you, because I think you're the real champion and we're learning so much from you.

Also Kubie, he just led every mixed doubles. We won almost all of them. I think he deserves a big, big, big thank you. Yeah, you can be extremely proud of yourself, how you handled everything, especially under pressure. Thanks so much. It was a pleasure playing with you.

Q. Stan, do you think with your touch, your game, that's something a lot of the modern players, it gives you an advantage over? Do you think that's something that's missing in some of the younger players coming up? Belinda and Kubie, do you plan to play mixed doubles at the slams or anything?

STAN WAWRINKA: No, I think that's always been my game. I'm trying to mix a lot, to be powerful from baseline. Was not enough today. He's a great player. He's tough to beat. Never easy.

I think the level in general was a very high level. I'm happy with it. Always difficult to lose. That's the thing.

For the young generation, for the players coming, I think the game of style is different than 15 years ago. Maybe because of the condition, the ball, the ball gets slower. You cannot mix too much with your game. That's why you need to play quite powerful from both sides and go for it. That's what we've been seeing a bit.

JAKUB PAUL: Of course, I would love to play mixed doubles with her at the slams. She's got the ranking I don't, so I need to get my ranking up first (smiling).

Of course, it would be an honor to play slams with her because it's just amazing what she does on court. It's so much fun playing with you. Thank you for everything.

BELINDA BENCIC: Yeah, why not? The Olympics are coming up, so maybe.

Q. Belinda, you had two top-10 wins and potentially you may be in the top 10 now. How much of a confidence booster was this entire week with regard to your game?

BELINDA BENCIC: Of course, big confidence booster. You start the year, and you're just trying to get matches in. Obviously it's been great playing match after match, but being pushed so much from everyone.

Yeah, also super happy to be in the top 10 now. I think it's been a huge goal, maybe a huge ride after the whole comeback, to come back and prove this to myself, that it's possible.

Yeah, we keep on going.

Q. Belinda, we have the Australian Open coming up. Perfect preparation for yourself. I imagine you'd be hoping to contend seriously?

BELINDA BENCIC: Yeah, I'm always serious about the Australian Open (smiling). Of course, it's been a huge confidence boost. Playing some good matches here now, I have some days to rest and prepare the new conditions.

We have a little bit more time to go there. Just super excited to play the first slam. I'm always just very focused on the first round. It's going to be a new tournament. Yeah, just new focus for Australian Open.