Men’s world No.1 Novak Djokovic and women’s No.2 Iga Swiatek will star in the new-look United Cup event in Sydney and Perth to launch their 2024 Australian Open campaigns.
Defending champions the US will be one of the favourites to take out the event again when it begins on December 29, but Djokovic’s inclusion will make things tricky with Serbia one of four countries to make their United Cup debut.
The 24-time grand slam winner is one of many big names at the event, with Swiatek’s Poland the No.1 seeds ahead of Greece, the US and France.
Australia will be led by Alex de Minaur and Ajla Tomljanovic, with $15m in prize money up for grabs.
“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 tournament director Stephen Farrow said.
“The top 16 teams include some of the biggest names in tennis, such as Djokovic, Swiatek, Tsitsipas, Pegula, Fritz, Sakkari, de Minaur, Tomljanovic, Zverev, Kerber and more.
“They are all set to play in a format designed to showcase both the men’s and women’s game and the unique equality in tennis.
“We can’t wait to see some exciting match-ups between such a high calibre playing field and lots of entertaining tennis in what promises to be a blockbuster event.”
Eighteen countries will take part in the event, with the final two teams to be announced on November 20 based on rankings. The tournament will feature six groups of three who will compete in a round-robin format.
Nine of the world’s top 20 male singles players will compete, with Djokovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Hubert Hurkacz, Alex de Minaur, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Cameron Norrie all confirmed.
Swiatek will be joined by four other women inside the top 10, with Jessica Pegula, Maria Sakkari, Marketa Vondrousova and Caroline Garcia all set to make the trip to Australia.
Each tie will feature one men’s and women’s match as well as a mixed doubles clash, with the finals to be played in Sydney.
The draw for the United Cup will be held next Monday.