Australian tennis fans have been served up a dream draw for this summer’s United Cup, landing the United States and Great Britain in Group C in Perth.
The US are the defending champions, having won the inaugural teams tournament in emphatic fashion in January.
Their star-studded lineup included world No.5 Jessica Pegula and ninth ranked Taylor Fritz.
Watch Australia take on the United States and Great Britain in the United Cup from December 29. Every match ad free and on demand on Stan Sport
Traditional rivals Britain, meanwhile, boast world No.18 Cameron Norrie and 35th ranked Daniel Evans.
Australia’s team features world No.13 Alex de Minaur and three-time major quarterfinalist Ajla Tomljanovic.
Australia were beaten 3-2 by Britain last year and will be eager for revenge in the unique 18 team mixed gender event (December 29-January 7), which serves as key preparation for the Australian Open.
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The draw means de Minaur could play mixed doubles against his British girlfriend Katie Boulter in Perth.
“It could be the end of a beautiful relationship,” Stan Sport expert Wally Masur joked at the draw announcement in Sydney.
“It will be interesting how it plays out because Matt Ebden and Storm Hunter are there so we have plenty of options for the mixed doubles.
“Alex might be in a situation where he plays three sets against Cam Norrie and maybe it’s not in his best interests to back up and play the mixed. Alex playing Boulter would add a bit of spice.”
Three groups are held in Perth and three in Sydney.
World No.1 Novak Djokovic will spearhead Serbia’s United Cup debut in Group E against the Czech Republic and China.
Group winners from the round-robin stage advance to the quarter-finals, with one quarter-final spot awarded to the best runner-up in each city.
Winners then progress to the semi-finals and final in Sydney on January 6-7.
“What a fantastic field we have,” tournament director Stephen Farrow said.
“The United Cup holds a unique position in global tennis, with the world’s best men and women representing their country at the highest level. For 2024 we are delighted to welcome teams with both massive star power and great depth.”
UNITED CUP GROUPS
PERTH
Group A: Poland, Spain, TBC
Group C: United States, Great Britain, Australia
Group E: Czech Republic, China, Serbia
SYDNEY
Group B: Greece, Canada, TBC
Group D: France, Italy, Germany
Group F: Croatia, Netherlands, Norway
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.