23 January 2024 | Tennis West

The United Cup came back bigger and better this year showcasing equality at the highest level of the sport. Returning to the format West Australian’s know and love, the format proved to be a hit with each tie determined in one session as well as including one men’s singles and one women’s singles match featuring the No.1 ranked singles players, followed by one mixed doubles match. 

Perth was treated to world class tennis with three world No.1’s all competing in Perth which included men’s singles world No.1 Novak Djokovic, women’s singles world No.1 Iga Swiatek and women’s doubles world No.1 and West Australian Storm Hunter.

Perth was drawn with number one ranked nation Poland, home country Australia, defending champions United States, Serbia – lead by Novak Djokovic, Czech Republic – lead by Wimbledon Ladies champion Marketa Vondrousova, Great Britain, China, Brazil and Spain.

For the first time, Tennis West worked with Noongar elders, artists, athletes and nine First Nations junior tennis players to create welcome gifts for the nine countries participating in the United Cup in Perth. The gifts were message sticks, hand crafted by Yamatji, Ballardong, Whadjuk Noongar elder, Daniel Garlett. The message sticks were designed and painted by the First Nations junior tennis players, with support from Noongar Artist, Jade Narkle.

The junior players and their families, along with Jade, her father Phil “Magic” Narkle, Daniel and his son Johnny Garlett met on centre court to present their hand painted message sticks to team representatives from each participating country.

Phil and Daniel explained to the international and domestic tennis players the role that message sticks play in Noongar culture and tradition, wishing safe passage, welcoming, and passing on information between people across land and country.

Following on from the success of last year, over 150 kids and 20 club coaches received the opportunity to have a hit on centre court with Hot Shots Kids on Court before the start of each day.

Tennis West Head of Tennis Development and Participation Rob Kennedy said “this opportunity is all about creating memorable experiences for the kids, parents, and club coaches. To have a hit on centre court at RAC Arena makes the kids feel like the pros for the day. Hopefully one day in the future they’ll get to step out on RAC Arena at the United Cup and be a ball-kid, referee or even play for their country.”

A select number of kids from regional and metro tennis clubs were lucky enough to be invited to toss the coin before each match. In partnership with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Tennis West provided an amazing experience for 10 KidSport children to meet their idols and participate in the United Cup by tossing the coin before matches.

Tennis West received over 250 applications in June for kids aged 12 to 16 years of age to become ball kids at the United Cup. Trials were held during the year with 72 ball kids selected and split into three squads.

While there was plenty of action on the court, there was lots of action off-court with Tennis West running an activation zone. Kids completed a tennis passport where they had to find their local tennis club, guess the amount of tennis balls, have a hit with friends or coaches on the hot shot court and write a message of support to the players.

During the United Cup, Tennis West hosted two breakfasts for Teachers who were involved in tennis school programs and for club Presidents at the Melbourne Hotel.

The teacher’s breakfast was attended by more than 150 teachers before the Czech Republic and China tie. Guests were treated to United Cup Tournament Director Stephen Farrow and former tennis player and commentator John Fitzgerald who spoke about the United Cup and upcoming Summer of Tennis. The Tennis West Schools team then delivered a presentation about the upcoming schools’ programs we have on offer in 2024.

The president’s breakfast was well received with over 130 club representatives and guests in attendance before the Serbia and Czech Republic tie. Guests were joined by Head of Tennis Development & Participation Rob Kennedy, Tennis West President Nick Gray, Head of Player Liaison for the Tennis Australia and the United Cup Andre Sa and United Cup Ambassador Paul McNamee.

Spectators were treated to some incredible tennis over the six days with Poland and Australia advancing to the semi-finals in Sydney after defeating China and Serbia respectfully.

A big thankyou to the staff, volunteers, ball kids and officials for the hard work and countless hours that was dedicated to ensuring the event was a success and an unforgettable experience for the players and the Perth tennis community.