World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will begin his 2024 season by participating in the United Cup, from December 29 to January 7 in Australia, a mixed tournament of players representing their country where the Spaniard Rafael Nadal is not announced, according to organizers on Friday. For this second edition, which will take place in Perth (west) and Sydney (east), 18 nations will compete, including Serbia, seeded N.13, which will therefore be led by “Nole”, in what will be will appear for him as preparation for the defense of his title at the Australian Open from January 15. Last year, the Serbian legend at the 24 Grand Slams did not participate in this competition, starting his season in Adelaide, one of the tournaments preceding the holding of the Australian Major, with Brisbane or Auckland. Another legend, the Spaniard Rafael Nadal, was on the contrary present at the United Cup before joining Melbourne, where his physical problems had unfortunately started.
While the 37-year-old Majorcan will attempt a final comeback in 2024, his name does not appear this time in the Spanish team, seeded N.11: unless there is a possible change by the end of December, this will be led by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, currently 26th in the ATP… which means that the world No.2, Carlos Alcaraz, should not be there either. Regarding Rafael Nadal, who had surgery on his left hip in June and fell to 243rd in the world, the vagueness remains total. Earlier this month, Australian Open boss Craig Tiley made headlines by claiming that the 22-time Grand Slam Spaniard was planning his return to Melbourne. But Nadal immediately tempered the enthusiasm.
In total, “9 of the 20 best players in the world and 5 of the 10 best players will participate”, underlined the organizers. The 18 nations, which have six players, will be divided into six groups of three. The draw will take place this Monday. French numbers one Caroline Garcia (N.10) and Adrian Mannarino (24th) are registered on the French side.
