Sport
The United Cup Returns: Bigger and Better Than Ever
From Friday, December 27, 2024, to Sunday, January 5, 2025, the world’s top male and female athletes will compete alongside each other. Eighteen countries will participate, each represented by up to three men and three women, all vying for a minimum prize pool of $10 million and 500 PIF ATP and WTA ranking points.
The winners from each group in each city, along with the best runner-up, will advance to the quarterfinals. The finals will then take place in Sydney.
Preview
The top 16 countries for the United Cup have been confirmed, with major stars set to compete in Sydney and Perth. Among the participating nations, seven of the world’s top 10 female players and six of the top 12 male players have committed to the tournament.
Team USA enters the tournament as the favourites once again, led by world No. 3 Coco Gauff and US Open finalist Taylor Fritz. Their impressive lineup sets high expectations as they aim for victory. Close on their heels is Team Poland, featuring the formidable world No. 1 Iga Świątek and the powerful serving of world No. 12 Hubert Hurkacz. They will face Czechia’s Karolina Muchova and Tomas Machac and Casper Ruud’s Team Norway.
Among the notable names, Australia’s Alex De Minaur, fresh off a career-best season and ready to make an impact on home soil. ‘The Demon’ will be joined by fellow Aussie Olivia Gadecki, returning to Sydney as part of Group F. They will face No.6 seeds, Great Britain, featuring debutant Jack Draper and Katie Boulter. A third team, to be confirmed in November, completes the group. Also headlining the event is Germany’s Alexander Zverev, a former ATP Finals champion and current world No. 3, along with Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, known for his dynamic play.
Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, who has gained attention with her recent breakthrough performances, adds further depth to an already star-studded field. Flavio Cobolli will join her in representing Team Italy and rounding out Group D will be France’s Ugo Humbert and Diane Parry. These top-tier players, alongside many others, will light up the courts in this highly anticipated competition, showcasing world-class tennis at its finest.
Groups
Now that the draw is locked in, the groups for this year’s United Cup have been officially set. Australia will play their group stage matches in Sydney, facing off against Great Britain and a combined team. The city will also host other major contenders, including Poland, Italy, and France, adding to the competitive atmosphere in one of the tournament’s key locations.
Meanwhile, the other side of the draw will see some of the tournament’s heavyweights clash in Perth. Defending champions Germany are set to compete alongside powerhouses like the USA, Greece, and Canada, creating what promises to be an intense battle for a place in the knockout rounds. With such strong teams in both cities, this year’s United Cup is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of top-tier tennis.
On Sale Information
Tickets for the group stage and Finals in Sydney are now on sale. Fans will have the opportunity to secure their seats early and experience the action live when top nations compete for glory. Adult prices start from $40 and from $20 for children 3-12 years of age. Family passes (two adults and two children) start from $100. You can find all the details and buy tickets here.
