Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has arrived in Perth to lead Serbia in the United Cup, a mixed-teams event. The World No. wasted no time, immediately practicing inside the RAC Arena with coach Goran Ivanisevic and fellow Serbian players. This marks Djokovic’s debut in the United Cup, where he will captain Serbia in Group E against China and the Czech Republic.
The 36-year-old tennis icon, with an impressive record in Australia, having clinched the Australian Open ten times, arrives after a stellar 2023 season, winning seven championships, including three majors and his record seventh ATP Finals trophy. Serbia, led by Djokovic, will also feature the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals champion, Hamad Medjedovic, in the 18-country event.
Djokovic’s first match in Perth will be against China’s Zhang Zhizhen on Sunday evening. Notably, the United States, last year’s inaugural United Cup winners, will seek to defend their title with Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula, both returning to Team USA after their successful campaign last season. Fritz and Pegula each won four of their five singles matches and three mixed doubles matches, securing the victory against Team Italy in the final.