Hexagon Cup 2026 Launch: Everything You Need to Know Before Kick-off in Madrid

A Significant Launch: The 2026 ‘Large Format’ Hexagon Cup

The GENERALI Hexagon Cup 2026 starts on January 28 and runs until February 1 at Caja Mágica (Madrid), for a third edition that fully embraces its identity: a team tournament, designed as a show… but with a level of play worthy of a ‘major’ draw weekend.

The message is clear: the organizers announce a very high-level lineup, with an impressive concentration of top players (including many world top-ranked members). And above all, the competition is now part of a broader dynamic, with the stated ambition of a recognized team circuit.

The Format, Explained Simply (and Why It’s Tactically Interesting)

8 Teams, 3 Categories, an ‘À la Carte’ Duel

Each team fields three pairs: a men’s pair, a women’s pair, and a Next Gen pair. A particularity for 2026: the featured Next Gen is male (after an edition focused on the female Next Gen).

Points, Not Just Sets

The mechanism is that of a team championship: each match earns points for the team. Men’s and women’s victories are worth 2 points; a Next Gen victory is worth 1 point. The result: you can ‘lose’ a big match… and stay alive in the ranking thanks to a solid Next Gen.

What It Changes on the Court

• Calculated risk: in a team format, a pair can take more risks if the overall situation demands it.
• A true collective strategy: lineups and matchups are planned based on opponents, not solely on individual level.
• A point that counts double mentally: the Next Gen match only offers one point… but it often comes at a key moment.

The 8 Teams and Stars to Watch

The Hexagon Cup also features a cast: owners (often highly publicized) and big names on the court. For a more ‘people-focused’ overview, you can also read our dedicated article: Celebrity Watch: These Stars We’ve Already Seen with a Racket.

Here are the eight teams and their announced pairs (names and lineups from official Hexagon Cup communications):

• Team Bella Puerto Rico: Coello / Edu Alonso; Bea González / Bea Caldera; Rubini / Aimar Goñi. (Coki Nieto withdrawal)
• RL9 Team: Agustín Tapia / Jon Sanz; Ari Sánchez / Andrea Ustero; Diego García / Dani Santigosa.
• Eleven Eleven: Javi Garrido / Tino Libaak; Paula Josemaría / Alejandra Alonso; Curro Cabeza / Guille Collado.
• Krü Padel: Fede Chingotto / Momo González; Sofía Araújo / Claudia Jensen; Andrés F. Lancha / Marc Sintés.
• Rafa Nadal Academy: Alex Ruiz / Franco Stupaczuk; Marta Ortega / Gemma Triay; Enzo Jensen / Ramiro Valenzuela.
• AD/vantage Team: Martín Di Nenno / Juan Tello; Delfi Brea / Martina Calvo; Manu Castaño / Jose Jiménez.
• X Padel (10 Padel): Mike Yanguas / Javi Leal; Claudia Fernández / Tamara Icardo; David Gala / Flavio Abbate.
• Hexagon Team (Fans Team): Paquito Navarro / Fran Guerrero; Alejandra Salazar / Carmen Goenaga; Pol Hernández / Mariano González.

Schedule: What a Typical Day Looks Like (and When the Big Match-ups Will Happen)

The tournament runs from Wednesday to Sunday, with two main courts and a ‘sessions’ logic: in practice, the first ball is often scheduled at 11 AM (Madrid time, identical to Brussels), and a second wave of matches is played in the late afternoon. On Sunday, the final is announced to start from 4 PM.

• Wednesday 28 → Saturday 31 January: start generally at 11 AM, with matches spread across several courts (order of play published daily).
• Sunday, February 1: 3rd place match + final, with the final starting from 4 PM.

The most reliable is the official order of play (which changes based on timings, durations, and programming adjustments): Order of Play – Hexagon Cup.

Where to Watch the Hexagon Cup: TV Broadcast and Streaming

For 2026, the strategy is clear: wide and accessible broadcast. DAZN announces the free availability of matches on its platform in most territories, with exceptions depending on the regions.

• DAZN: “Worldwide” broadcast, with exclusions indicated by territory (notably USA, Central/South America, and India).
• beIN Sports: broadcaster listed in several regions (including MENA, Turkey, and North American/Spanish versions).
• India: FanCode is listed among the broadcasters.

Details by country/region can be found here: Where to Watch – Hexagon Cup.

Note: in Spain, several channels and broadcast relays are also mentioned (additional platforms and streams). Exact terms may vary depending on rights and days: check official announcements and the ‘Where to Watch’ tab.

Fan Experience: The “Generali Arena” and Hexagon Nights

The Hexagon Cup is not just sold as a competition: it’s an event to experience on-site, with entertainment and an ‘after’ program. For example: the Hexagon Nights are announced for Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31, from 8 PM to 2 AM, with included access for ticket holders on these days.

The New “One Point Challenge”: €5,000 for an Amateur

This is the ‘spectacle’ sequence that perfectly fits the Hexagon DNA: a special format inspired by the One Point Slam, announced on the event’s social media, is set to offer a fan the chance to win €5,000 on a decisive point (with an ‘amateur vs pro’ scenario highlighted). Operational details (registration, selection, exact timing) are to be followed via official channels.

What to Watch Out For from Kick-off

• The new “one-shot” duos: some pairings only exist for the event, and that’s often where surprises emerge (styles that fit… or clash).
• The women’s power dynamic: with premium pairs and players capable of locking down the net in long rallies, the 2 points at stake carry significant weight.
• Men’s Next Gen: it’s an opportunity to spot those who will gain screen time (and sometimes status) before the circuit’s major events.
• Court and rhythm management: between two arenas and dense days, the sequence can impact players’ bodies… and clarity in set endings.

Key takeaway

• Dates: January 28 → February 1, 2026, Caja Mágica (Madrid).
• Format: 8 teams, 3 categories, “team” points (2/2/1).
• Schedule: typical start at 11 AM; final announced from 4 PM on Sunday.
• Broadcast: DAZN free depending on territories + beIN Sports / FanCode depending on regions.

Useful Links (official): Order of Play · Where to Watch · FIP Presentation.