Team & Fun: Sydney United Cup Stars Excited For 2024 Kickoff

Fun, different and team were the words of the day as United Cup stars in Sydney began their media rounds on Thursday.

Donna Vekic helped Croatia win Group F at the inaugural edition of the event earlier this year and is thrilled to be back to represent her country.

“Really happy to be back together all as a team and really excited to be in Sydney this year,” Vekic said. “We were in Perth last year. I haven't been in Sydney in a couple of years, so great to be back. The team energy is as good as ever and looking forward to our first match.”

Competing in the event for the first time is Italian Jasmine Paolini. Last year, her country reached the United Cup championship match. She hopes to help propel her country deep into the week once again.

“It's the first day that we are all here together, so we're going to see a little bit the next days, but I think it's going to be really fun. It's something different,” Paolini said. “It's a competition but you are in a team, so it's more relaxed maybe for the moment. And then when it is the match it's a little bit different because you play also for the country. So it's going to be tough, but I really am really enjoying it.”

^{Photo: Tennis Australia/Ben Symons}
Wesley Koolhof is a playing captain for the Netherlands, which is making his United Cup debut. The Dutchman has enjoyed his time in Sydney so far.

“A team atmosphere is always fun. I've always enjoyed playing the Davis Cup and for us it's a first. We never played ATP Cup,” Koolhof said. “Obviously Tallon had an unbelievable year, which made us qualify for this event. It's something else, something different.

“We don't really normally get to spend much time with the girls on tour as well, so it's always nice to do that and get to know them a bit better. It was definitely an early yes for me when I saw that we had a chance to be in, so looking forward to it.”