We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

The National Times - Gauff-led USA pitted with Canada at season-opening United Cup

Gauff-led USA pitted with Canada at season-opening United Cup

SPORTS 21.10.2024
Gauff-led USA pitted with Canada at season-opening United Cup
Gauff-led USA pitted with Canada at season-opening United Cup / Photo: © AFP

Top seeds the United States spearheaded by Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz were drawn on Monday with Canada for the mixed teams United Cup in Australia.

Change text size:

They begin their 2025 season in Perth, with Felix Auger-Aliassime and Leylah Fernandez headlining the Canadians at the third edition of the tournament from December 27 to January 5.

Defending champions Germany, led by world number three Alexander Zverev, were pitted alongside Brazil and China, who have Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen.

Stefanos Tsitsipas's Greece will also play in Perth, grouped with Kazakhstan and a Spanish team missing world number two Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz is yet to reveal where he will warm up for the Australian Open, the opening Grand Slam of the year.

Five-time major champion Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz once more represent Poland as they look to avenge their narrow loss to Germany in the 2024 final.

They face the Czech Republic and Casper Ruud's Norway in Sydney.

Like Alcaraz, world number one Jannik Sinner has opted against playing the United Cup for his country Italy, who will meet France and Switzerland in the group stage.

Britain take on Alex de Minaur's Australia in the other Sydney group.

"Everyone who plays this event absolutely loves the experience," tournament director Stephen Farrow said. "It's the perfect way to acclimatise to the Australian conditions."

Seven of the world's top 10 women and six of the world's top 12 men have signed up.

Each team -- with three men and three women -- go through a round-robin format, with ties comprising one men's and one women's singles and a mixed-doubles clash.

Group winners in each city advance to the quarter-finals, along with the best runner-up.

The semi-finals and final are in Sydney with US$10 million in prize money and ATP and WTA ranking points at stake.

Draw for the United Cup:

Perth

Group A - USA, Canada, TBC

Group C - Greece, Kazakhstan, Spain

Group F - China, Germany, Brazil

Sydney

Group B - Poland, Czech Republic, Norway

Group D - Italy, France, Switzerland

Group F - Britain, Australia, TBC

O.Nicholson--TNT

Featured

Oilers Edge Flyers 3-2 in Overtime Despite Philadelphia's Shot Dominance

The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in overtime at Rogers Place on Wednesday night. Evan Bouchard scored the winning goal just 47 seconds into the extra period, capping a comeback that overcame a late tying goal by Travis Sanheim despite Philadelphia outshooting Edmonton.

Maswanganyi Clarifies Pirates Allegiance Amidst Career Transition

Patrick Maswanganyi has addressed speculation surrounding his career by reaffirming that Orlando Pirates remains his dream club, despite growing up as a Kaizer Chiefs supporter. Speaking during an exclusive interview, the Bafana Bafana international also clarified the nature of his relationship with former coach Abdeslam Ouaddou following his recent exit from the Soweto giants.

Kuwait's Yasmeen Waleed Wins High Jump Gold at Dakar Youth Olympics

Kuwaiti athlete Yasmeen Waleed has won the gold medal in the high jump at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Her victory established a new Kuwaiti national record of 1.80 meters, marking a significant milestone for the nation's youth sports program.

Matvei Michkov Leads Flyers in Goals but Ranks Sixth in Ice Time

Matvei Michkov leads the Philadelphia Flyers with 10 goals through 20 games, but his total ice time ranks sixth among the team's forwards. Head coach Rick Tocchet has concentrated Michkov’s additional minutes on the power play, where he has scored five of his goals, while his even-strength usage has remained relatively stable compared to last season.

Change text size: