Djokovic, Swiatek entries boost United Cup prestige

The second edition of the United Cup team event may gain the reputation of a more serious competition after entries from a pair of reigning Grand Slam champions were revealed.

The entry field for the December 29 to January 7 tournament between 16 nations to be played in Perth and Sydney, was regarded more as a hit-and-giggle tuneup for the Australian Open when the debut edition was staged at the start of 2023.

The US won the event over Italy in the final.

Now the competition looks like turning slightly more serious, with Serbia boasting a debut entry from Djokovic while world No. 2 and four-time major winner Swiatek will headline for Poland, named as top seeds due to the rankings of Swiatek and teammate Hubi Hurkacz (11th). .

The draw which sends nations to one of the two Aussie venues for preliminary rounds before the finals in Sydney will be made on Monday.

Top 10 names in the field are set to include No.7 Stefanos Tsitsipas and sixth-ranked compatriot 6 Maria Sakkari, who lead the second-seeded Greek side.

The US is back with WTA No.4 Jessica Pegula and 10th-ranked Taylor Fritz, seeded third.

The French take the fourth seeding through Caroline Garcia and Adrian Mannarino. while the Czechs will field Wimbledon champion  
Marketa Vondrousova and newcomer Jiri Lehecka.

Other nations in the mix include Croatia, Australia and the Serbs, with 24-time grand Slam champion Djokovic set to make the date his only tune-up prior to the Australian Open.

New mother Angelique Kerber will return to the courts for Germany alongside Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber while the Brits will go with CamNorrie and Katie Boulter.

Main photo:-Team United States win 2023 United Cup in Sydney by Tennis Australia/JAMES GOURLEY