Rafa Jódar and Paula Badosa will represent Spain at the 2027 United Cup, spearheading a team that enters the mixed-team tournament as a contender for the title.
The event is scheduled to take place from January 1 to January 10 across Perth and Sydney, MARCA reported.
Spain drawn into Group F
The Spanish team has been placed in Group F, where they will face competition from Belgium and Argentina. The tournament will feature a total of 18 national teams competing in the lead-up to the Australian Open, serving as a significant indicator of form for players heading into the first Grand Slam of the season.
Jódar’s rapid rise to prominence
At 20 years old, Jódar has solidified his position within the elite ranks of professional tennis. The Madrid native began the current campaign ranked 165th globally but has since climbed into the top 10, according to reporting by MARCA. His recent resume includes appearances at the Laver Cup in London and multiple Davis Cup ties, including sessions in Chile and Bologna.
🎾 Rafa Jódar y Paula Badosa, la apuesta de España para la United Cup 2027 ✍️ @ivanronda https://t.co/PqzIA3gRSA
Jódar’s debut season on the circuit also saw him become the first player in history to qualify for the ATP Finals in his inaugural year. This performance has drawn interest from corporate partners, including a recent ambassadorship with Rolex.
Notable talent and defending champions join 2027 United Cup
The 2027 United Cup will feature a roster of notable international talent, including Ben Shelton, Flavio Cobolli, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Emma Raducanu. Poland enters the competition as the defending champion.
The tournament format maintains its structure across the two Australian host cities, providing a high-stakes environment for the competing nations before the start of the Australian Open. The official schedule remains set for the first ten days of January.
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