New global tennis tournament a smash hit for Sydney
The United Cup came to an exciting close yesterday with Sydney playing host to the first final of the brand new international mixed team event.
After a week of competition across the country, the final two countries vied for the inaugural trophy which saw the United States defeat Italy 4-0.
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the United Cup provided an incredible new experience for fans witnessing emerging and established stars on the court, and inspired future generations.
“The United Cup brought the summer of tennis to Sydney and hosting at our Ken Rosewall Arena confirms NSW’s mantle as Australia’s premier sporting state,” Mr Henskens said.
“It is the first tennis tournament where men’s and women’s performances on court contributes to individual world rankings of their team members.
“The atmosphere at the venue over the past two weeks has been electric, and we’ve seen top athletes put on a spectacular show of skill, determination and teamwork in the first event of its kind anywhere in the world.”
Hundreds-of-thousands of fans turned out to watch the world’s best players including Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Australia’s Alex De Minaur and Maddison Inglis compete at Sydney Olympic Park over the event.
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the United Cup was part of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years program which would grow the State’s visitor economy.
“We are proud to host the first ever United Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, wrapping up 11 days of competition between 18 countries all fighting for glory,” Mr Franklin said.
“The Liberal and Nationals are committed to growing the NSW visitor economy and cementing our State as the major events capital of the Asia Pacific.
“Securing events like the United Cup attracts the world’s best tennis players, officials, and their supporters to the Greater Sydney area, who stay in our hotels, visitor our attractions, and spend in our retail stores, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
“This is just the beginning of a bumper summer of sport events for Sydney and NSW with the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, SailGP and exciting return of HSBC Sydney Sevens all coming up in the next few weeks.”
United Cup Tournament Director Stephen Farrow said he was delighted to see fans share in the excitement of the United Cup in Sydney, as well as Brisbane and Perth.
“Sydney was a terrific host to the United Cup, and New South Wales relished in the opportunity to see the world’s best players unite and compete side by side in this never seen before event,” Farrow said.
“Showcasing equality at this highest level, featuring mixed teams with the top players of each country, proved for some exciting match ups.”
Related Articles: #Sport
