Rafael Nadal retirement leaves United Cup organisers pushing to ‘tell the story’ of next icons of tennis
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The retirements of tennis greats Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Serena Williams has made promoting events more difficult but organisers must grab the opportunity to push new talent into the spotlight, the United Cup’s tournament director said. “It’s true to say that from a promotional standpoint, it’s very easy if you’ve got Roger Federer or Rafa Nadal turning up,” Farrow told Reuters after the draw for the 18-team tournament was held in Sydney recently. I’m not worried about the future.” Grand Slam contenders Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff will all be in action for their countries at the Dec. 27-Jan. 5 tournament staged in Perth and Sydney as they prepare for the Australian Open starting on Jan. 12. “Last year we saw a really big step forward when we moved to a new format with one women’s singles, one men’s singles and one mixed doubles.