2' min
The tennis season is officially starting, and the world’s focus shifts Down Under. While the Australian Open (beginning January 12) is the highlight of the month, the action begins with the United Cup, a mixed-team tournament set to open the 2025 calendar. Taking place in Perth and Sydney from December 27 to January 5, the event promises intense competition, and Italy is ready to compete.
The Italian team, led by captain Renzo Furlan, features Jasmine Paolini (Italy’s No. 1 female player) and Flavio Cobolli (ranked 32 in the ATP standings) as the top singles representatives. The squad is rounded out by Matteo Gigante, Andrea Vavassori, Sara Errani, and Angelica Moratelli. Notably, Jannik Sinner will not participate, as he is set to arrive in Australia on January 2 to focus on his Grand Slam preparations.
Italy has been placed in Group D alongside France and Switzerland, with matches scheduled in Sydney. Their campaign begins against Switzerland, with Cobolli facing Stricker on Sunday, December 29, at 7:30 AM CET, followed by Paolini’s match against Bencic. The doubles match will feature the accomplished duo of Errani and Vavassori, who claimed the 2024 US Open mixed doubles title. Italy will then take on France on December 31, with Cobolli playing Humbert and Paolini taking on Parry, starting at 12:30 AM CET. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperTennis.
A new feature will be trialed this year: during the mixed doubles matches, players can call for a 60-second timeout to consult with their captain, adding a strategic twist to the game.
The United Cup divides 18 nations into six groups, split between Perth and Sydney. Group winners and the best runner-up from each city advance to the quarterfinals. The semifinals are set for January 4, with the final to be held on January 5 in Sydney. The winning team will take over from defending champions Germany, who secured the title last year with Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber leading their squad to victory against Poland’s Hurkacz and Swiatek.
Organized by the ATP and WTA, the United Cup offers up to 500 ranking points for the winners. However, the distribution of points depends on two factors: the ranking of the opponent defeated and the stage of the tournament in which the victory occurs.
