Top-seeded United States will clash with neighboring Canada during the group stage of the United Cup mixed team tournament, marking Coco Gauff's debut in the event's third edition, set to take place in Sydney and Perth at the start of the upcoming season. The U.S. team will include notable players such as Taylor Fritz, Denis Kudla, Robert Galloway, Desirae Krawczyk, and Danielle Collins, who has recently reversed her decision to retire at the end of the 2024 season.
During Monday's draw, the Americans were also matched against an unspecified nation in Group A, which will be contested in Perth. The final two teams participating will be determined based on rankings as of November 19. However, tournament organizers confirmed that Serbian star Novak Djokovic has opted out of the tournament as part of his preparations for pursuing an 11th Australian Open title.
Defending champions Germany, led by world No. 3 Alexander Zverev, will compete in Group E against China, featuring Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, and Brazil, also in Perth. Zverev is likely to be the highest-ranked male player participating, as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will not be competing, while world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev’s Russia remains barred from the event due to ongoing sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. Belarusian players are similarly excluded, meaning that Aryna Sabalenka, the winner of both the Australian and U.S. Open, will not participate.
The Polish team, which finished as runners-up last year, will be represented by five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz in Group B matches against the Czech Republic and Norway in Sydney. Tournament director Stephen Farrow noted the strength of this year's entry list, stating that it features six of the top ten women and six of the top twelve men in the world, promising an exciting competition. The tournament kicks off on December 27, culminating in the final match in Sydney on January 5.
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