The United Cup is all set with Brazil and Chile joining the line-up for the mixed teams’ tennis event in Sydney and Perth. Brazil secured their spot with the help of their top WTA player Beatriz Haddad Maia, who finished her 2023 season on a high note by winning the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai. Haddad Maia, ranked No.11 in the world, made it to the top 10 in June after an impressive performance at the French Open, where she reached the semi-finals. She will be teaming up with Marcelo Melo, Thiago Seyboth Wild, Felipe Meligeni Alves, and Carolina Alves. The Brazilian team, placed in Group A alongside top seeds Poland, will be playing their matches at RAC Arena in Perth. This sets the stage for a face-off between Haddad Maia and world No.1 Iga Swiatek, a rematch of their Roland Garros semi-final.
Haddad Maia expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m happy to be able to participate in the United Cup once again. It’s a special competition, and it will be a pleasure to play in Perth again after a few years. I’m excited and motivated to play and learn with the Brazilian team during the week.” This will be Brazil’s second appearance at the United Cup, following their exit in the group stages of the inaugural 2023 event.
Chile’s qualification is credited to Nicolas Jarry, the 28-year-old who had a remarkable season on tour and climbed into the world’s top 20. Jarry clinched ATP titles in Santiago and Geneva and reached the fourth round at Roland Garros, leading to a career-high ranking of 19th this month. He leads a strong Chilean squad, including Tomas Barrios Vera, Alejandro Tabilo, Daniela Seguel, and Fernanda Labrana. Making their United Cup debut, Team Chile will play matches at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena as part of Group B, alongside second seeds Greece and Canada.
The Australian team, featuring Alex de Minaur, John Millman, Matt Ebden, Ajla Tomljanovic, Ellen Perez, and new women’s doubles world No.1 Storm Hunter, will be in Group C in Perth, competing against Great Britain and defending champions USA. The competition is scheduled to take place from December 29 to January 7.