Summer in Australia can be identified by a few key things: the mercury rises, the air con runs 24/7 and international tennis returns to our shores. This year, you’ll want to don your finest breathable shirt because a game-changing new tennis tournament is headed our way. Enter: the United Cup
So what makes it so special you ask? The United Cup is unlike any other competition in the world, with 18 countries putting forward a mixed team comprising up to four men and four women. You’ll be proud as punch when you witness the best players in tennis coming together on an equal stage to compete in Australia.
Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and the United States have entered the event.
In a round-robin-style draw, the teams will play two men’s singles, two women’s singles and one mixed doubles match. Split into six groups of three teams all playing for a share of the total US$15 million prize pool, so there’s a lot on the line.
The premium event will take place across three cities—Brisbane, Sydney and Perth—from Thursday 29 December 2022 to Sunday 8 January 2023. Each city will host two groups of three countries, with Sydney scoring the rights to host the finals from 6 to 8 January.
The 11-day tournament is drawing some of the world’s best players. Like 22-time Grand Slam champ and crowd fave Rafael Nadal, who is joining forces with world number 13 Paula Badosa to lead team Spain at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney
World number four Stefanos Tsitsipas and world number six Maria Sakkari are repping for Greece at RAC Arena in Perth.
And we’re seriously pumped to see world number one Iga Swiatek team up with world number 10 Hubert Hurkacz to lead number two-seeded Poland at Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland.
As for team Australia, Nick Kyrgios, Alex de Minaur, Jason Kubler and John Peers; as well as Ajla Tomljanovic, Zoe Hives, Maddison Inglis and Sam Stosur will also compete in Sydney for the green and gold.
Best of all, tickets to this incredible tournament start at just $40! That’s a seriously good deal for a chance to see such a historic moment in gender equality in sport.
Trust us, this event will sell out fast. So fire up your group chat and snag yourself a ticket to the United Cup right here.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Tennis Australia. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: Tennis Australia.