A brand new tournament has kicked off the 2023 summer of tennis in Australia, with the United Cup replacing the ATP Cup.
National teams are going toe to toe, as some of the sport’s biggest names compete in the mixed warm-up event ahead of the Australian Open.
The Sporting News takes you through all the key details for the tournament.
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What is the United Cup?
The United Cup is a new mixed tennis tournament, played in a team competition format.
In 2023, 18 nations - comprising up to four men and four women - are facing off to be crowned inaugural champions.
Countries have been split into six pools of three teams, with semi-finals and a final in Sydney to cap off the event.
Teams will play four singles matches (two men’s and two women’s) and one mixed doubles match in the round-robin stage.
There is a US$15 million (AU$22 million) prize pool on offer, so is plenty of incentive for players to participate in the warm-up event.
When and where is the United Cup?
Whilst the ATP Cup was held exclusively in Sydney, three cities - Brisbane, Perth and Sydney - are co-hosting the United Cup in 2023.
The event is taking place over 11 days, beginning on Thursday, December 29, 2022 and wrapping up on Sunday, January 8, 2023.
Each city is hosting two separate groups made up of three countries between December 29 to January 4, before the top four nations compete in Sydney from January 6 to 8.
Those top four nations will be those who win in their respective city, as well as the next-best performing team.
The full tournament schedule can be accessed here.
How are countries selected for the United Cup?
18 countries will feature in the inaugural tournament in 2023, with 12 countries selected from the nations of the top six men’s and women’s players, according to ATP and WTA rankings.
The other six teams qualify based on combined men’s/women’s rankings.
Which countries and players have been selected for the United Cup?
All 18 nations have been confirmed for the 2023 United Cup.
The locations, groups and players are outlined below.
Perth
Group A
Greece
Belgium
Bulgaria
Group F
France
Croatia
Argentina
Brisbane
Group B
Poland
Switzerland
Kazakhstan
Group E
Italy
Brazil
Norway
Sydney
Group C
USA
Germany
Czech Republic
Group D
Spain
Australia
Great Britain
How to watch the United Cup
As the rights holders of the 2023 Summer of Tennis - including the Australian Open - Nine are broadcasting the United Cup in Australia.
Every match is available on 9Now and via their paid streaming service, Stan Sport.
Selected matches are being televised on Channel 9’s primary channel throughout the tournament.
For international viewers, please check your local guides for broadcast details.
What happened to the ATP Cup?
Replacing the Hopman Cup in 2020, the ATP Cup has lasted just three years.
A men’s-only tournament, it pitted nations together in a team competition format.
Team Serbia claimed the inaugural edition, with Team Russia (2021) and Team Canada (2022) the other victors.
Ultimately, the ATP Cup has been replaced due to the increasing co-operation between the men’s and women’s tennis tours (the ATP and WTA).
The $15 million prize pool for the United Cup reflects the backing mixed tournaments are receiving, as tennis prioritises efforts towards equality.
When is the 2023 Australian Open?
Next year’s Australian Open will run from Monday, January 16 until Sunday, January 29.