The blockbuster clash that could make or break Australia’s United Cup hopes
By Tom Decent
Australia have drawn defending champions the USA in their United Cup group later this year, but Sydneysiders may miss out on the chance to see the likes of world No.1 Novak Djokovic, Alex de Minaur and Ajla Tomljanovic in action.
The second instalment of the United Cup begins on December 29, with Australia set to play their group matches against the USA and Great Britain in Perth after the tournament draw on Monday.
The mixed-team event features 18 countries, with two still to be confirmed, in what is effectively a warm-up tournament for the Australian Open in January.
The Australian team featuring de Minaur – who is ranked 13th in the world – Tomljanovic, John Millman, Storm Hunter, Matt Ebden and Ellen Perez will head to Perth for tough opening matches against world-class opposition.
The top team in all six groups, plus two others, will qualify for the quarter-finals. It means the host nation is no guarantee to make it to the last eight but former Australian Davis Cup captain Wally Masur is confident de Minaur can knock off American and world No.9 Taylor Fritz as well as Britain’s Cam Norrie in his singles matches.
“He’s going to do some damage, not only in this event, but I personally think he’ll win both his [singles] matches,” Masur told reporters.
“I think Australia is in a great position with Matty Ebden and Storm Hunter and Ellen Perez. We’ve got the best mixed doubles players and that will matter.”
Alex de Minaur loves representing Australia.Credit: Getty Images
Nine of the world’s top 20 men and five of the world’s top 10 women will contest the event, which ends with semi-finals and finals in Sydney on January 6 and 7.
Djokovic and his Serbian teammates will play their first matches in Perth in Group E, which features the Czech Republic and China.
The 36-year-old won the Australian Open, French Open and US Open this year, extending his grand slam tally to 24.
Two-time grand slam singles finalist Mark Philippoussis said Djokovic was statistically the greatest player of all time and could win 30 slams by the time he retires.
“I’d hate to play him,” Philippoussis said. “He is so good and solid. There are no weaknesses to hit into or base your game around. You need to take risks. I believe you need to be aggressive. The guy is a physical and mental beast in a five-setter. If you’re looking at numbers, he’s the greatest.
United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow, Davis Cup champion and two-time grand slam singles finalist Mark Philippoussis, grand slam mixed doubles champion Casey Dellacqua and former professional tennis player and television commentator Wally Masur pose for a photo with the United Cup. Credit: Getty
“He’s got another two or three years and who knows, could he hit 30? It’s a possibility and incredible to think of. There’s no reason he can’t if he stays healthy.”
Masur added: “I literally do not know how you stop the guy. To have him here and playing in Perth is really exciting. There is no question in my mind that statistically he is the greatest player of all-time.”
Greece, France, Croatia, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Germany and Norway, plus one other qualifier, will play their group matches in Sydney.
Other big names to take part in the tournament include Iga Swiatek of Poland as well as Greek top 10 players Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari.