The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) have announced a new mixed-gender teams event – the United Cup.
The tournament will open the 2023 tennis season in Australia, with US$15 million in prize money, 500 Pepperstone ATP Rankings and WTA rankings points available.
Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman, said: “The United Cup marks a major step forward for the game of tennis. Most importantly, it will create incredible new experiences for our fans. 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.”
There will be mixed gender teams from 18 countries competing across Brisbane, Perth and Sydney over 11 days, from 29 December 2022 – 8 January 2023.
“The United Cup is an important and strategic collaboration between the WTA, the ATP and Tennis Australia that reflects a continued commitment in elevating our sport,” added Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO.
“This exciting singles and mixed doubles team event will bring together emerging stars and established athletes from both Tours to compete on the same stage, giving players and fans a unique experience in which the final outcome may be determined with women and men competing together.”
The organisations outlined that the first 12 countries will qualify via the six highest-ranked No. 1 players that enter, on both the ATP Tour and Hologic WTA Tour.
The remaining six countries will qualify according to the best combined ranking of their respective No. 1 men’s and women’s players. Teams will feature three to four players from each Tour.
Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia CEO, concluded: “The United Cup presents a unique opportunity to unite both the men’s and women’s Tour in a brand new way that has never been seen before.
“We have the opportunity here in Australia to leverage tennis’ unique position to allow the world’s top men and women to compete side by side and represent their country at the highest level. We couldn’t be more delighted to see how this event unfolds in January.”
