Djokovic to miss United Cup as Serbia fail to qualify

| by Jamie Malachy

Novak Djokovic will not participate at the inaugural edition of the new United Cup tournament in January, after Serbia failed to take one of the two last remaining spots in the competition.

The 21-time Grand Slam champion has recently had his ban on entering Australia lifted, meaning that he was free to compete in the mixed-gender tournament which takes place in three cities across Australia.

"Best player on the planet. Period" - Patrick McEnroe on Novak Djokovic
"Best player on the planet. Period" - Patrick McEnroe on Novak Djokovic

When the draw for the tournament was made earlier this month, two spots remained open as the ATP season had not yet reached a conclusion, so points were still up for grabs among ATP players.

With the season now concluded, those countries have been confirmed. Despite Djokovic winning the ATP Finals title as an undefeated champion, Serbia still fell just short of the requisite number of ranking points to qualify.

Instead, Bulgaria and Kazakhstan have been confirmed as the last two nations to make it into the draw, joining Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and the United States.

World No. 28 Grigor Dimitrov will lead Bulgaria, which has been drawn against France and Greece in Group A and will play their games in Perth. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan will join Group B in Brisbane, where they will face Poland and Switzerland.

It will be a disappointment for both Serbia and the United Cup organisers that one of the world's most recognisable and dominant stars will not be in attendance for the first ever United Cup.

However, if Djokovic continues to maintain his current form and is able to play a full season on tour, without this year's stops and starts, then it looks likely that he alone could qualify Serbia for the United Cup in 2024.

The Serb has already won both the ATP Cup and the Davis Cup representing his home country, and will no doubt be eager to add the revamped United Cup to that collection.

Kyrgios could play mixed doubles with ex-girlfriend Tomljanovic at United Cup
Kyrgios could play mixed doubles with ex-girlfriend Tomljanovic at United Cup

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