Kyrgios excited for mixed-gender United Cup

In Australia, it’s summertime. And the season is kicking off with a brand new tournament, the United Cup. 18 national teams will face off in this mixed-gender tournament. The tournament replaces the ATP Cup, which lasted only three years, and is part of tennis’ ongoing efforts to promote equality in the sport.

Kyrgios excited to play in “very important event”

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is one of the competitors in the United Cup. His team will compete against Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie and Harriet Dart and Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Paula Badosa. Kyrgios spoke to the media about the importance of having a mixed-gender event.

“I think it’s just a great event to have,” said Kyrgios. “An event where females and males come together as one to represent their nation, I think that’s incredibly important.”

Each team at the event will include up to four women and up to four men and the tournament will have 500 WTA and 500 ATP ranking points available. Each contest will include four matches in singles (two between women and two between men) and one match in mixed doubles. The tournament carries $15 million in prize money.

“I think it’s very important to have this event in general,” said Kyrgios. “Because we don’t have many events during the year where both male and females are playing in the same event together, competing for prize money, a title, and representing your country all in one.”

When and where is the United Cup?

Unlike the ATP Cup, the United Cup will be held in three different cities in Australia - Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney.  It will take place over 11 days from Thursday, December 29, 2022 to Sunday, January 8, 2023.

Each city hots two different groups comprised of three countries each from December 29 to January 4. Then, the top four nations will compete in Sydney from January 6 to 8.

Following the United Cup, the first Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open will begin in Melbourne Park on January 16.

Which nations and players will participate in the United Cup?

There are 18 participating countries in the 2023 United Cup.  Below is a list of all countries and athletes from each that will play at the tournament.

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