The United Cup, a breathtaking new team competition that will open the international tennis season in 2023, will bring together the finest players in the world to fight against one another.
With mixed teams from 18 nations competing over 11 days in Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney during the United Cup, an ATP & WTA event presented in partnership with Tennis Australia, the United Cup will highlight equality at the highest level of sport. It will take place from Thursday, December 29, to Sunday, January 8, 2023.
Players will compete for a share of $15 million in prize money as well as 500 ATP and WTA ranking points with a sense of national pride. Three to four players from each Tour will be included on each team.
Two groups of three nations will compete in a round-robin style in each location. Each tie will feature two ATP and two WTA singles matches as well as one mixed doubles match. Each City Final winner will get an invitation to the United Cup Final Four, which will be held in Sydney from January 6–8, and will include the top two teams from the group rounds.
Former world no. 1, Andy Murray spoke about the event, saying: "I love to see the men and women competing together. It's something I'm very excited about,” Murray said. “We're the only global sport where men and women compete at the same venues, which is something very special about our sport and something to be celebrated. Big events like this will help. I'm sure all the players will be very passionate about competing for their countries and the men and women will work together to support each other.”
Also heads of ATP & WTA, Andrea Gaudenzi and Steve Simon as well as Craig Tiley, who is the CEO of Tennis Australia as well as the Australian Open tournament director, had a lot to say about the new event.
Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman: “The United Cup marks a major step forward for the game of tennis. Most importantly, it will create incredible new experiences for our fans. We’re excited to see the best men’s and women’s players competing together, with ranking points on the line, to launch the season like never before.”
Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO: “The United Cup is an important and strategic collaboration between the WTA, the ATP and Tennis Australia that reflects a continued commitment in elevating our sport. This exciting singles and mixed doubles team event will bring together emerging stars and established athletes from both Tours to compete on the same stage, giving players and fans a unique experience in which the final outcome may be determined with women and men competing together.”
Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia CEO: “The United Cup presents a unique opportunity to unite both the men’s and women’s tour in a brand-new way that has never been seen before. We have the opportunity here in Australia to leverage tennis’ unique position to allow the world’s top men and women to compete side by side and represent their country at the highest level. We couldn’t be more delighted to see how this event unfolds in January.”
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