[ad_1]
Mixed events “look interesting” and Nick Kyrgios believes the inaugural United Cup will be no different because “it’s for the fans” and “it’s the most important thing”.
The A$23 million (£13 million) tournament will mark the start of Australia’s 2023 tennis season, with Brisbane, Perth and Sydney playing from January 29 to January 8.
There will be 18 countries participating, including men’s singles, women’s singles and mixed doubles events, with ATP and WTA points offered.
Hosts Australia, drawn in Group D with Spain and England, will feature Kyrgios, Alex De Minaur, Jason Kübler, John Pierce, Ajela Tomjanovic , Madison Inglis, Samantha Stosur and Zoe Hive.
Kyrgios, who represented Australia in the Hopman Cup in 2016, is a fan of the mixed-team format.
“I don’t play that much mixed doubles anymore, but what I like about mixed doubles is that it’s for the fans. That’s the most important thing,” he said.
“Seeing some of the best women in the world play with the best men certainly provides some really good entertainment, how men let women do her thing on the court and not get in the way.
“It’s interesting.”
As well as the men’s and women’s joint mixed doubles, there is the coveted prospect that Kyrgios will take on Rafael Nadal in the men’s singles as the 22-time Grand Slam winner also signs up for the event. events.
Other big-name signings include world number one Iga Swiatek, and on the WTA side Maria Sakkari, Jessica Pegula, Caroline Garcia, Paula Badossa, Kaspar Rudd, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, Tyler Fritz and Francis Tiafoe joined Kyrgios from the WTA. ATP side.
The semi-finals and final will be held at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.
The world number 22 added: “It’s a really great event, with women and men coming together to represent their countries.
“It’s very important. For the fans. I think it’s a very special event to have all the best athletes from around the world together.
“During the year, we don’t have a lot of events where both men and women are in the same place for one event, competing for money, top titles and representing your country.”
Read more: United Cup draw: Spain, Australia, Great Britain line up with Rafael Nadal to face Nick Kyrgios
[ad_2]
Source link