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An international hard court tournament played on hard courts with mixed-gender teams from 18 countries, the United Cup takes place in Australia and serves as the kick off to both the WTA and ATP Tour seasons. The inaugural tournament was held last year and this year's event takes place from December 29 to January 7 at RAC Arena and Ken Rosewall Arena.

Let's take a look back at last year's inaugural tournament with a look ahead to some of the important matches this weekend for the 2024 United Cup.

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2023 United Cup Recap

Teams play in six groups of three countries at the United Cup. Last year's champion, the United States, won their group with a 2-0 record against the Czech Republic and Germany. Greece, Poland, Great Britain, Italy, and Croatia also won their groups with 2-0 records.

The three winners then play in single elimination games with each winner advancing to the semifinals along with the losing team with the best record in matches and sets. The US beat Poland and Italy beat Greece in last year's semifinals. The US then beat Italy 4-0 in the final with Jessica Pegula, Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, and Madison Keys scoring singles victories.

2024 United Cup Changes

This year's tournament again features six groups of three teams and top eight teams, including the group winners, advance to the knockout stage. There's only three matches (2 singles and 1 doubles) in the group stage matches. The final will be played in Sydney on January 7. 

Weekend Previews

Poland vs. Brazil 

Poland has yet to play in the group stage, but will take on Brazil on Saturday. Brazil opened its tournament with a 2-1 loss to Spain and needs a win against Poland to keep their hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals alive. That could be a tall order, however, as the matchups favor Poland.

Iga Swiatek is due to face Beatriz Haddad Maia in the first of the three matches. Swiatek is 1-1 in two matches against Beatriz Haddad, but is the much more talented player and the current world No. 1. She has 17 singles titles compared to just three for Haddad Maia. Hubert Hurkacz plays Thiago Seyboth Wild in the other singles match. They've never played but, again, Hurkacz is the much higher rated player and has had more success than Seyboth Wild.

Swiatek and Hurkacz will then pair to take on Haddad Maia and Marcelo Melo in doubles action.

Canada vs. Chile

Canada, which won the Billie Jean King Cup this year and the Davis Cup last year, has been one of the most impressive countries in international tennis over the last few years. They'll look to complete the trifecta with a United Cup victory next week and begin their journey on Sunday against Chile. 

Leylah Fernandez, who was instrumental in helping Canada win the Billie Jean King Cup, takes on Daniela Seguel in the first match. Felix Auger-Aliassime is scheduled to play Nicolas Jarry in the second. This shapes up to be an easy victory for the Canadians.

Final Prediction

Canada arguably has one of the easier draws, although they'll face a challenge from Greece. Great Britain is in a good position with a 1-0 record already, having beaten host Australia. It's anyone's bet as to what teams will make the quarters at this point, but Canada, Great Britain, and Italy should all offer great value in tennis futures.