• United Cup kicks off at Perth’s RAC Arena today
• Event brings the world’s top-ranked tennis players to WA for an exciting week of competition
• WA leg of the tournament will feature top players including Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and Team Australia
• Last year’s event attracted thousands of spectators and injected millions of dollars into the WA economy

The world’s top tennis players have hit the court at RAC Arena today with the United Cup in Perth running from Friday, 29 December – Wednesday, 3 January.

World No.1’s Novak Djokovic (Serbia) and Iga witek (Poland) are two of the big names competing in the Perth United Cup matches, which features 18 mixed tennis teams led by the world’s best female and male players.

Sydney and Perth will each host nine teams – three groups of three countries – who will compete in a round robin format for a minimum AUD$15 million in prize money and 500 ATP and WTA ranking points.

Perth will also host local favourites Team Australia and defending champions Team USA, featuring world No.5 Jessica Pegula and world No.10 Taylor Fritz.

The Perth groups include Group A (Poland, Spain, Brazil), Group C (USA, Great Britain, Australia) and Group E (Czech Republic, China, Serbia).

The United Cup in Perth will culminate in two quarterfinals on Wednesday, 3 January, with two teams to progress to the semi-finals in Sydney, which are taking place from Saturday, 6 January.

The tournament, which returns to Perth for its second year, is expected to see tennis fans from across Australia flock to Western Australia throughout the busy summer holiday period.

The event also invites tennis players to experience some of the best activities WA has on offer, showcasing the State to global fans through activities highlighted in the broadcast and through players’ social media.

Last year’s inaugural event set the tournament up for future success in the State, attracting thousands of spectators to RAC Arena throughout the busy summer holiday period, and injecting millions of dollars into the WA economy.

Tickets are available for Perth matches, including the quarterfinals on Wednesday, 3 January, at ticketek.com.au/unitedcup

As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:

“The inaugural United Cup was a major success for WA, and we are very excited to see this year’s event once again bring out-of-state fans to Perth to see some of the world’s best tennis action at RAC Arena.

“To have the United Cup both close out a massive year of sport and kick off a new one over the New Year is very exciting, and a testament to all the work our Government has done to build the State’s reputation as a hub for international sport.

“Events like the United Cup elevate WA’s reputation as a world-leading host of major sporting and cultural events and showcase our beautiful State on a global stage.”

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:

“We know how passionate Australians are about their tennis, so we’re very excited to be a host city again for this fantastic tournament.

“With many Western Australians enjoying their Christmas break, it’s the perfect opportunity to head out for the day or evening with the family or friends to see some world-class tennis right here in Perth and see the likes of World Number No.1’s Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek, as well as our beloved Team Australia.”