United Cup tweaked as players mull Australian options

Murray Wenzel |

Changes have been made to the United Cup format at the start of Australia’s summer of tennis.
Changes have been made to the United Cup format at the start of Australia’s summer of tennis.

The United Cup’s format has been cut almost in half to become a more fan-friendly experience when the mixed tennis teams event returns to Sydney and Perth.

Already changed from a three to two-city tournament to accommodate the Brisbane International’s return, Cup ties will be shrunk from five to three rubbers.

It means countries will battle over one session in a men’s and women’s singles and mixed doubles, rather than across two days when a reverse singles rubber was included in the tournament’s debut.

Teams have also been reduced to a maximum of three men and three women.

Eighteen countries will contest the second edition from December 29, with semi-finals and the final in Sydney on January 6-7.

Players have until October 17 to commit to their country’s campaign, with $15 million in prize money another lure.

But the prospect of playing a traditional lead-up tournament in Brisbane – to be contested at the same time – could be more appealing.

AAP