Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari commit early to Australia’s United Cup 2025

·

Greece’s [12] Stefanos Tsitsipas and [9] Maria Sakkari, China’s [7] Zheng Qinwen and Norway’s [9] Casper Ruud have all committed early to the 2025 edition of the United Cup.

From Friday 27 December to Sunday 5 January, eighteen countries, featuring up to three men and up to three women, will compete across Perth and Sydney for the coveted trophy.

Team Greece will make their third appearance at the innovative mixed team tennis tournament and crowd favourite Tsitsipas is keen to return.

“Representing Team Greece in a team competition like that at the beginning of the year is something that allows me to be really patriotic and start the year very strong,” Tsitsipas said.

“The team we have built with Maria (Sakkari) over the last few years is definitely one that gives us a lot of opportunities to go big and create a lot of damage on the field.

“Getting the opportunity to have a lot of good individuals within one team gives us lot of motivation and a lot of reasons to go out there and fight for our best.

“Knowing that we come from a country rich in history and good traditions and values when it comes to sports is an extra reason to go out there and represent tennis, try and do as good as we can to uplift tennis and bring its highest value in our country.”

The Greeks qualified for the United Cup semifinals in 2023 and in 2024 advanced to the quarterfinals, falling to eventual champions Germany.

Australian Open 2024 finalist Zheng Qinwen’s WTA ranking has ensured Team China’s qualification.

“I’m delighted to be able to qualify China again for the United Cup,” said Zheng, the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist.

“The United Cup presents a unique opportunity to play for our country in a mixed team environment, similar to the Olympics, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this experience together.”

United Cup Tournament Director Stephen Farrow is pleased four top 15 players have been able to commit to the tournament this early.

“We are absolutely thrilled to see Stefanos Tsitsipas, Maria Sakkari, Zheng Qinwen and Casper Ruud commit to the United Cup – their early commitment is a testament to the quality of the event,” Farrow said.

Tsitsipas and Sakkari qualified Greece at the first two editions of the United Cup. They are both fan favourites and are looking forward to starting their year with us in 2025.

“The Greek fans in both Perth and Sydney have supported the United Cup with great passion. They bring an unrivaled energy in support of their country’s biggest sporting stars, which is the essence of the United Cup.

“Zheng has had an incredible 2024 – she reached the final of the Australian Open in January, won gold in Paris and has maintained her top 10 ranking throughout the year. She’s a great player and a big personality and it’s fantastic to welcome her back to the United Cup.

“Casper Ruud’s consistent results on the tour has again allowed Norway to secure their position at the United Cup for another year. Ruud’s early commitment recognises the value in participating in global team competitions.”

The official draw will be held on Monday 21 October and will determine which city Greece, China and Norway will contest the United Cup Group Stage.

Participation in the United Cup is subject to players committing by the tournament’s entry deadline of 16 October for the first 16 teams. The remaining two teams will be decided after the second qualification date of 19 November.

Ten countries will qualify for the United Cup via the five highest-ranked men and five highest-ranked women entered based on their PIF ATP and WTA rankings.

Eight teams will qualify according to the best combined ranking of the highest-ranked men’s and women’s players from the same country.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Five detained in Athens over murder of US professor amid custody dispute

Greek authorities have detained five individuals, including the ex-wife of professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski in connection with his murder.

Greece braces for economic impact from Trump’s proposed tariffs

Greece is among the European countries most exposed to US President Donald Trump’s proposed 30% tariffs on imports.

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s nomination for US Ambassador to Greece advances to full Senate

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s nomination to serve as US Ambassador to Greece has won approval from Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin threatens legal action over octopus dispute

The Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin is threatening legal action against the NT Government following a food safety dispute over octopus.

‘Want to honour legacy’: Con Kalamaras on Estudiantina’s soulful tribute to Greek music icons

In the lead-up to the show, The Greek Herald spoke with Estudiantina member and organiser Con Kalamaras about what to expect.

You May Also Like

Four dead in catastrophic Cyprus forest fire

Four people were found dead as a huge fire raged for a second day in Cyprus, razing tracts of forest in a blaze one official called the worst on record.

GCM calls on Greek government to rectify slow service, insufficient staffing at Consulate

In the third largest Greek-speaking city in the world, Melbourne, there are only four employees to serve the expatriates.

The Australian paradise on Earth

In the third text of the "trilogy" of the Australian earthly paradise professor Tamis refers to some more individual features of Australia.