(Sydney) Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Greece and Madison Keys’ United States lead 2-0 against Bulgaria and the Czech Republic respectively after the first day of the United Cup, a new event between mixed teams and officially launching the 2023 tennis season.

World No.4 Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Grigor Dimitrov (N.28) 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) to give his country the first point. Her compatriot Despina Papamichail (N.158) doubled the lead against Isabella Shinikova (N.381) 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

The United States did not give details against the Czech Republic: Taylor Fritz (N.9) swept Jiri Lehecka (N.81) 6-3, 6-4, and was imitated by Madison Keys (N .11), intractable against Marie Bouzkova (N.24) 6-4, 6-3.

Australia, weakened by Nick Kyrgios’ last-minute withdrawal, got off to a bad start in front of their home crowd: they were led 2-0 by Great Britain after the defeats of Alex de Minaur (N.24), against Cameron Norrie (N.14) 6-3, 6-3, and Zoe Hives (N.772), facing Katie Swan (N.145) 6-4, 6-3.

The United Cup opposes 18 nations which are divided into six groups (two groups in Perth, two in Sydney and two in Brisbane) with two meetings each taking place over two days for each team.

A match consists of four singles and a mixed doubles to decide between the two teams if they are tied after the singles.

At the end of this group stage, the teams at the top of their group, established in the same city, compete and the three winners are qualified for the semi-finals. The non-qualified team which has the best record in the group stage will complete this last four.