Organisers have streamlined the format after reviewing the inaugural competition,which is a dual ATP and WTA event run with Tennis Australia,starting on December 29.
Up to three women and three men will represent each of the 18 countries,including Australia. Every tie involves one men’s and one women’s singles before a mixed doubles match,and will be completed in one rather than two sessions.
The change should result in more high-quality matches and a better experience for fans. There were four men and four women and five matches per tie in the original United Cup,and the format tweak comes after Spanish legend Rafael Nadal was among the players critical of how many meaningless matches there were.
But the new event also drew rave reviews as a rare opportunity to bring the world’s best men’s and women’s players together,especially since the Hopman Cup was held in Australia for the last time in 2019. The United Cup replaced the short-lived ATP Cup.
United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow is delighted to bring the event back to Sydney and Perth.
“The United Cup holds a unique position in global tennis,with the world’s best men and women representing their country at the highest level,” Farrow said.