Iga Swiatek, Ash Barty’s successor as world No.1, will join men’s grand slam record holder Rafael Nadal in headlining the new mixed United Cup event as a crucial lead-up to the Australian Open.
Polish star Swiatek, who blasted her way to French and US Open titles this year after Barty’s retirement, has confirmed she will spearhead her country’s assault on the $23 million tournament.
Swiatek and men’s world No.11 Hubert Hurkacz are confirmed starters for the Polish team, while 22-time slam winner Nadal will join the Spanish charge for the United Cup, which starts on December 29.
Nadal is just one slam ahead of Novak Djokovic and could potentially be making his last competitive appearance in Australia following the retirement of another of the men’s game’s big names, Roger Federer, in September.
And his early arrival for the United Cup suggests Nadal is leaving no stone unturned in a bid to deny Djokovic a record-equalling 22nd slam, with the Serbian chasing a 10th Australian Open title.
World No.3 Stefanos Tsitsipas will join women’s top-10 player Maria Sakkari in the Greek team, which has been handed the No.1 seed for the United Cup.
World No.1 Iga Swiatek will headline the new United Cup event in Australia.Credit:AP
They will join Poland, the United States, Spain, Italy and France as the top six seeds in the 18-team event, which will be played in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
The official draw will be announced in Sydney on Thursday with the teams split across the three capital cities before a finals format at Sydney Olympic Park’s Ken Rosewall Arena from January 6-8.
Each tie will be played with two men’s and women’s singles matches before a mixed doubles clash. The group winners will be decided after a round-robin format with the victor from each city joining one lucky loser in the finals in Sydney.
Australia is guaranteed entry into the event either via their ranking or as a wildcard.
The United Cup will offer rankings points for men and women, and replaces the short-lived ATP Cup, which was an all-male teams event. Djokovic led Serbia to the inaugural title before Russia and Canada claimed the subsequent events.
Swiatek will be the United Cup’s biggest star after the WTA confirmed the 21-year-old would be the 17th different year-ending world No.1.
She won 37 consecutive matches during her incredible eight-title season as she stepped out of Barty’s shadow. She will likely start an overwhelming favourite for the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in January.
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