Tennis 2022: All the latest news from the United Cup

The United Cup has received glowing approval ahead of its debut this summer, with the tournament expected to usher in a new era for Australian tennis.

Team Italy tennis players arrive in Brisbane, New Farm. Picture: Liam Kidston

German tennis star Alexander Zverev has embraced the opportunity to play in the United Cup, and believes the fresh tournament has the potential to transcend the sport.

The world No. 12 will have to wait until Saturday to kick off the Germany campaign in singles action against Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka.

The tournament is expected to usher in a new era for Australian tennis, pitting mixed-gender teams from across the world head-to-head across Australia.

Zverev, who returned after six months on the sidelines earlier this month, said the tournament gave him the opportunity to get more miles in his legs ahead of his first major, the Australian Open.

Zverev missed the bulk of 2022 after he tore several ligaments in his ankle during his French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal back in June.

Alexander Zverev says the opportunity for men and women to compete together more often was a positive step for the sport.

“I am looking forward to being back on a court. I am looking forward to being back on a competitive court,” Zverev said.

“I’ve always said that I enjoy a team atmosphere, it is very unique to have such a big group of guys in a sport where we are usually alone, also to have a combined event like that where it is very unique in the sports world where men and women compete together.”

Zverev said the opportunity for men and women to compete together more often was a positive step for the sport to take.

While mixed doubles are a regular feature on the tour’s major events, it is rare to see them outside of the big four.

“It is something that is very important not only for our sport but the sports world in general to have men and women compete together,” Zverev said.

Jaw-dropping prize money in new Aus tennis tournament

Tennis officials will pay at least $3.5 million in appearance fees alone for the staging of the inaugural $15m United Cup in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth with the world's top 10 players set to pocket more for turning up than reaching the second round at the Australian Open.

In a move which has convinced 20 of the world’s top 20 men or women to compete for their countries in the inaugural mixed gender teams event starting on Thursday, guaranteed appearance fees across the field has set the tone for the launch of the Australian summer of tennis.

The nine players currently ranked in the top 10 will each receive $US200,000 just for turning up to play their two Group matches, while players ranked 11-20 each pocket $US100,000.

Prize money is earned for every match won and the significant cash windfall is a fact not lost on the world’s best as they prepare to start on Thursday.

Italy’s world No.16 Matteo Berrettini led his team around the Brisbane River on Tuesday but noted the reactions of his teammates when asked about the lure of the $15m event.

Team Italy are among the competitiors. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Everybody smiled when you said that, see, so it’s good,” Berrettini said.

“Obviously we don’t just play for the money but it’s important that it’s there.”

While it’s not uncommon for the world’s leading players to get paid additional appearance fees at tournaments, it’s not often a feature for every player with even those ranked outside the top 250 guaranteed up to $US20,000 and a match win during the tournament worth $US38,325.

The Australian Open in Melbourne is the richest sporting event in Australia with a first round appearance worth $US103,000, while elimination in round two is valued at $US154,000.

While the money is astronomical, the players are equally excited by the mixed gender teams novelty of the event while trying to build form ahead of the grand slam.

Matteo Berrettini in action in practice. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“I’ve never even played mixed doubles so it’s going to be exciting,” Berrettini said.

“I’m curious about it and it’s a really cool format.”

Berrettini is coming off a mixed 2022, he missed Wimbledon with injury and suffered a semi-final defeat to eventual champ Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open.

The 26-year-old feels he’s closing the gap to the likes of Nadal and Novak Djokovic and is building towards an eventual slam breakthrough.

“I was close but I never won, they’re the best to ever play,” he said.

“I feel super-honoured to play against them, especially Novak here has a crazy record and I feel lucky to play against them and hopefully next time I play I’m going to win.

“I’m feeling confident, I’m playing more and more and having longer runs in slams so hopefully soon something good is going to happen.”

Originally published as Tennis 2022: All the latest news from the United Cup