Disappointment looms for tennis aficionados in Perth as they will miss the chance to witness homegrown hero Alex de Minaur this summer. Instead of gracing the courts of Western Australia, the Australian contingent will be competing in Sydney for the upcoming United Cup.
RAC Arena will still sparkle with international talent, featuring the likes of Coco Gauff and Stefanos Tsitsipas, yet fans hoping to cheer for world No.9 de Minaur, alongside WA doubles sensation Matt Ebden, will be left wanting.
This absence stings for Perth, especially after last year’s event where de Minaur, Serbian icon Novak Djokovic, and women’s world No.1 Iga Swiatek brought stellar performances to the region, captivating local fans.
World No.3 Gauff is set to team up with men’s world No.6 Taylor Fritz for the USA in this year’s group stage tie, scheduled for December 27-31. Gauff arrives in fine form after a remarkable 2024 season, which included a run to the Australian Open final and an Olympic gold medal.
Returnees include Zheng Qinwen, who will kick off her season in Perth once again, partnering with Zhang Zhizen on the Chinese squad after competing in the event last year.
Stefanos Tsitsipas is another familiar face returning to WA, leading the Greek challenge in Group C, where they will face off against Kazakhstan, featuring world No.5 and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, and the Spanish team.
The German contingent will be highlighted by Alexander Zverev, who heads into Group E for Germany, facing teams from China and Brazil.
In a rematch of last year, Australia will go head-to-head with Great Britain, putting de Minaur on a collision course with his partner, world No.45 Katie Boulter; however, this highly anticipated showdown will take place in Sydney instead of Perth.
Last year’s crowds thronged RAC Arena for some gripping encounters, including de Minaur’s memorable straight-sets victory over Djokovic that propelled Australia past Serbia in the quarter-finals.
As the new year approaches, RAC Arena will host two quarter-finals on New Year’s Day, with Sydney later taking the reins for the semi-finals and the final.
