On the men’s side,there’s the potential for Spain’s champion veteran Rafael Nadal to star alongside youngster Carlos Alcaraz,the US Open champion and new world No.1. With countrywoman Paula Badosa among the WTA top 10,the presence of those three would virtually ensure favouritism for Spain. Hot competition could come from Greek stars Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari,both currently in the world’s top five.
Australia could yet have a mixed doubles pairing ofNick Kyrgios and Ajla Tomljanovic,finalists and quarter-finals respectively at Wimbledon.
The first draw to determine where the top 16 countries will play is on November 10. A second draw will be held two weeks later to determine the final two countries.
Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley had already confirmed that Russian and Belarusian players were free to compete as individuals in Australia.Their ban from Wimbledon,however,came amid considerable controversy.
“Like every other player they will have to go through a[visa] application process,” Tiley said this month.
Loading
“The only difference would be that they cannot represent Russia,they cannot represent the flag of Russia,and they can’t participate in any activity such as[playing] the anthem of Russia,and have to play as independent players under a neutral[country] name.
“But they will be welcome to the Australian Open in January.”
Tiley also had said Tennis Australia was yet to experience any pushback – either from players,or the ATP and WTA tours – to the requirement for players from Russia or Belarus to maintain neutral status at Melbourne Park in January.
The United Cup will be staged between December 29 and January 9 with group ties,comprised of two men’s and two women’s singles matches and one mixed doubles match,to be played in Sydney,Brisbane and Perth.
Under the round-robin format,each city will host two of the three-nation groups with the group winners playing off and advancing,with the next best-performed nation,to the semi-finals stage,held in the NSW capital.
ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said the new event was a watershed.
“The United Cup marks a major step forward for the game of tennis,” Gaudenzi said.
“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.”