The United
Cup has already confirmed several of its top figures, just days before the
registration deadline, with doubles featuring the likes of
Taylor Fritz -
Jessica Pegula and Alexander Zverev - Angelique Kerber.
Starting on
December 29th, the second edition of the
United Cup will be held. This
tournament brings together the best WTA tennis players in mixed teams with the
best ATP players, representing their respective countries.
The
reigning champion is the United States, who defeated Italy in the final with
strong performances from Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz. Both of them will be
participating to defend their title.
Several
other top tennis players will be there as well, including the German pair of
Alexander Zverev and former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber. Kerber is making her
comeback to the courts after becoming a mother. They are familiar with each
other due to their experiences in the Hopman Cup and the Olympic Games in
Tokyo.
Another
player making a return is Naomi Osaka, who will use the tournament to prepare
for the Australian Open. She will partner with Yoshito Nishoka to represent
Japan. Also, present will be Felix Auger-Aliassime - Leylah Fernandez and the
Greek duo of Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari.
United Cup Format
The United
Cup will feature 18 countries divided into six groups of three teams, where
they will all compete against each other, and one team will advance from each
group. Three groups will be played in the Australian city of Perth, while the
other three will be in Sydney.
In addition
to the six group winners, who will advance to the final playoffs, the best
second-place team from each city will be considered to complete the two
remaining spots.
Each
playoff will consist of a men's singles match and a women's singles match,
concluding with a mixed doubles match. Once the six leaders of each group and
the two teams that advance as the best second-place teams are determined,
playoff rounds will be played until reaching the final.