UNITED CUP Media Release, October 30, 2025
Team Australia’s [6] Alex de Minaur and [32] Maya Joint and Great Britain’s [11] Jack Draper and [29] Emma Raducanu have committed early to United Cup 2026.
They join Team Poland’s world No.2 Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz as the first three teams to be confirmed for the fourth edition of the innovative mixed-team tennis event across Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January.
Home grown favourite De Minaur, the 26-year-old Sydneysider who has returned to his highest career singles ranking this week and has been a top-10 mainstay for much of the last two years, will spearhead the Australian team in his fourth appearance at the event.
“The United Cup is going to be a lot of fun this summer,” De Minaur said.
“The event is unique and it offers up something completely different for fans. They love to embrace the format and get behind the Aussies at home.
“The energy at the United Cup is electric. It’s fun being on court but also on the bench, being loud and noisy, supporting each other.”
Joint, Australia’s top ranked women’s singles player, will line up alongside De Minaur in her first appearance for Team Australia.
The 19-year-old claimed her first two singles titles in 2025 and has risen from world No.730 to No.32 in two years.
Britain No.1s Draper and Raducanu will debut at the United Cup in 2026.
Draper, who climbed to a career high of No.4 in June after winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, is looking forward to starting the new tennis season at the United Cup.
“I am excited to get back on court and compete in the United Cup. I’ll be looking out for the draw to see if Team GB will play in Perth or Sydney,” Draper said.
“I haven’t been to either so it will be nice to compete in a brand new city in Australia.”
“I’m honoured to be able to make my United Cup debut in January,” US Open 2021 champion Raducanu added.
“Being able to play for Team GB with my teammates is a unique opportunity and week to enjoy. It’s great to be able to experience a new format on the tour, represent my country and spend a couple of extra weeks in Australia.”
United Cup Tournament Director Stephen Farrow said the fierce rivalry between Australia and Great Britain is set to reignite this summer if they fall on the same side of the draw.
“We’re delighted Alex de Minaur and Maya Joint have committed early for Team Australia at the United Cup,” Farrow said.
“Equally, to see British No.1s in Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu line up for the first time will bring new star power to the tournament.
“In 2025, Team Great Britain reached the quarterfinals after navigating a tightly contested group stage in Sydney.
“They opened with a strong 2-1 win over Argentina and, despite a narrow loss to Australia in their final group tie, advanced on set percentage in a three-way tie to top Group F and book their spot in the knockout rounds.
“With the level of talent and intensity we saw last year, fans can expect even more drama and world-class tennis this summer.
“Don’t miss the action, it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting United Cups yet,” Farrow continued.
The full list of countries and players for 2026 will be revealed ahead of the tournament’s official draw on Monday 17 November.
Quarterfinals, semifinals and final tickets are on sale now.
Group stage tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 19 November.
