History will be made in Australia this summer as the world’s top tennis players gather on our shores for a brand-new tournament. For the first time, both male and female tennis players will compete in teams in the United Cup.
The multi-city event will visit Brisbane, Perth and Sydney between December 29 and January 8, with each capital hosting a series of men’s and women’s singles matches and mixed doubles. The 18 competing countries qualify based on the ranking of those who have entered. In 2023, we will see Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, the United States and, of course, Australia!
Think of it like the Olympics—but for tennis.
Not only is the United Cup an exciting addition to the world of sport, but the week-long event is set to provide some riveting summer fun for those lucky enough to nab tickets. With plenty of food, bevs, entertainment and, of course, tennis on the agenda, it's a no-brainer group activity.
Here’s how you can convince your mates—tennis fanatics or not—to join you at this exciting sporting event.
The Atmosphere
Tennis fans will no doubt be hanging out for the start of the season, and what better way to kick it off than with the best players from across the globe battling it out for their home country?
In what is bound to be a taster for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics (plus Sydney and Perth), fans will gather to cheer for their favourite players in some of the best tennis you’ll see in Australia this side of the Open.
Being a global first and the first event of the tennis season, hungry fans will be ready and raring to go. And, as tennis lovers will attest, there’s nothing like being there, in the flesh, for a tie-breaking match point.
The Food and Drink
Australia is known for its foodie culture—and sporting comps aren't spared when it comes to our passion for excellent eats and refreshing sips. The United Cup will boast a variety of top-tier food stalls in each city for fans to enjoy pre- or post-match.
You can sit down with your mates in one of the pop-up bars and toast to the triumphs of the day (on or off the court) and debrief about the day's highlights. Or, if you plan to stay courtside during your time at the United Cup, there will be plenty of incredible food and drinks to keep you fuelled up for cheering on your favourite players.
Mixed teams
Usually the ATP and WTA—the governing bodies of men’s and women’s tennis, respectively—hold separate tournaments for their players. This is the first time the organisations have combined forces to hold one tournament for all its players to compete side by side .
The country teams will feature up to fourmen and four women, who will compete in singles matches and mixed doubles in the round-robin opener, with the most successful teams proceeding to the final rounds. The prize? An equal share of a cool US$15 million (approx. AU$22.4 million) and 500 ATP and WTA ranking points.
The New Experience
The United Cup is unlike any other tournament in tennis. The mixed, country team format is the first of its kind for the annual summer tennis season, and who would want to miss an opportunity to be part of history?
Australia is lucky to host this exciting new cup for its debut—simultaneously marking the start of the summer of tennis. The future of tennis is here. Gather your mates, get your tickets, and soak up the sun and vibes at the world’s first United Cup.
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.