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Daniil Medvedev is eager to open his 2023 season with some tough matchups against top opponents at the Adelaide International I — but he'll need to navigate a loaded draw at the ATP 250 to get those matches under his belt.

Seeded third, Medvedev is joined in the Adelaide field by fellow 2022 Nitto ATP Finals competitors Novak Djokovic, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Andrey Rublev, as well as Turin alternate Holger Rune.

"It's definitely good," he said of the deep field, "because first tournament of the year, if you manage to win some matches, that's good, because you're going to play good opponents. It's always good to get matches before the first Slam.

"It's a really strong tournament. Everybody knew it before coming here. Really strong draw, so everybody needs to be at their best, and we're definitely going to see some great tennis here in Adelaide."

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While top seed and 2007 Adelaide champ Djokovic is a potential semi-final opponent for Medvedev, the World No. 7 is more focussed on a deep run than any blockbuster matchups down the road.

Last October, Marc-Andrea Huesler was competing in the Sofia Open final when his opponent, Holger Rune, missed a final forehand return. Huesler tossed his racquet to the side, fell to his knees and buried his head in his hands as he took his bandana off.

When the Swiss lifted his head, he wore a priceless smile stretched wide across his face. Huesler had turned a dream into a reality.

“That was just overwhelming in a sense that you’re completely fufllled by joy. It’s just complete joy and you just get emotional,” Huelser told ATPTour.com. “Also thinking back, when I see videos sometimes looking back I also get emotional pretty fast. It’s something I’ll never forget [in] my life. That’s an amazing experience.”

It was the high point of a breakthrough season for the lefty, who climbed from just inside the Top 200 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings to the fringe of the Top 50, claimed his first tour-level crown and competed in his first two Grand Slam main draws.

“If you look at it as a whole, a lot has changed, but at the same time I had a whole year and it was always one step at a time,” Huesler said. “[I was] trying not to think too far ahead because you never know how far it will happen. I never thought that I’d be now playing United Cup in position two of Switzerland a year ago, even if it existed. It’s an awesome chance for me.”

The United Cup may be an 11-day event, but the impact of the inaugural mixed-teams competition could last long after the final ball is struck in Sydney on 8 January.

Just ask Dimitar Kuzmanov, who this week produced two high-quality singles performances at Perth’s RAC Arena to start his 2023 season in style. The 29-year-old has played 33 tour-level matches in his career, but he believes experiences like the one he has had with Team Bulgaria this week can only help his pursuit to break through further on the ATP Tour.

“It’s really important for us and it gives us a chance to play in those events with this [sort of] stage and these players,” World No. 196 Kuzmanov told ATPTour.com in Perth, where he defeated Michail Pervolarakis and Zizou Bergs this week for the loss of just four games combined. “[It] shows the public that tennis has grown a lot, and even the guys that are ranked Top 200, like me, they are pretty much equalling the top guys. I think that brings more interest to the sport and to the fans.”

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Kuzmanov is speaking from experience. The Bulgarian, who won his maiden ATP Challenger Tour title in Barcelona in 2021, notched the first two of his 18 tour-level wins at the 2020 ATP Cup when he was World No. 423. Those performances kick-started his rise towards the Top 200 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, and in August 2022 he reached his career-high of No. 159.

Petra Martic notched a 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 defeat of Nadia Podoroska on Sunday to give Croatia an unassailable 3-0 lead over Argentina at the United Cup in Perth. The winner of Group F will be decided over the next two days in the third and final tie, as Croatia return to take on France.

In Martic's only previous encounter with Podoroska, she had emerged a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 winner in the third round of Rome 2021. Once again, she was able to triumph in three sets, losing the tightest but running away with the other two.

This time, Podoroska roared out of the blocks. The former WTA No.36 dazzled in the opening three games, breaking Martic straight away with a perfect lob and coming up with crowd-pleasing volley and dropshot winners.

But Martic responded with aggression of her own, and Podoroska proved unable to sustain her high level. The Croatian reeled off seven straight games, breaking for 4-2 as Podoroska served consecutive double faults and sealing the set with an exquisitely weighted drop shot of her own.

Both players settled into a groove on serve in the second set: the first eight games saw just one break point between them, quickly snuffed out by Podoroska with a service winner. At 4-4, though, Martic blinked first. A dip in energy and execution saw her quickly lose the last two games of the set with a series of cheap errors, then go down a break at the start of the second set.

It did not take long for the action at the Adelaide International 1 to fire up. Marcos Giron saved two match points in a two-hour, 57-minute epic on Sunday to reach the second round at the ATP 250.

Giron clawed past former World No. 7 Richard Gasquet 7-6(5), 6-7(6), 7-5 to triumph in his first match of the year. The American saved two of the three break points he faced to advance.

"That was a battle. That's one way to start the year. I would have liked to have won in straights, I was up a mini break there in the second," Giron said. "But Richard is a phenomenal player. He's a great player, so the match is never over until it's over. He had match points in the third. I was just happy I was able to give myself a chance to get the win.

"I've been working hard in December, so it was a battle, but I'm looking forward to keep moving forward."

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The United Cup has provided the opportunity for new partnerships and friendships to form, with stars from the ATP Tour and Hologic WTA Tour joining forces to guide their countries to success.

For Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka, it has been an aspect of the mixed-teams event that he has loved. Over the past week, the 21-year-old has spent time with 29-time tour-level titlist Petra Kvitova, a legendary figure in the sport who he has long since admired.

“I remember watching Petra in the Wimbledon final in 2011 when she beat Maria Sharapova. It was amazing,” Lehecka told ATPTour.com. “I was 10 years old at that time, so it is pretty funny and cool I am now here with her. We laughed about that earlier this week. Her career has been tremendous and she is such a good player.”

After enjoying a breakthrough 2022, the Next Gen ATP Finals runner-up is looking to grow his game further in just his second year on Tour. In contrast, the 32-year-old Kvitova is competing in her 17th season at this level.

Eager to learn, Lehecka revealed that the former World No. 2’s experience and guidance have been invaluable around the team camp in Sydney.

Paula Badosa engineered a remarkable comeback to defeat Harriet Dart 6-7(6), 7-6(4), 6-1 to earn Spain's first match-win at the United Cup. Playing her first match of the season, Badosa fought off leg cramps to reel in Dart and keep Spain in the tie on Sunday in Sydney.

Great Britain now leads Spain 2-1. The task now falls to Daniel Evans to try and clinch the win and seal a spot at the top of the Group D table. Evans will face Albert Ramos Vinolas in the second men's singles match.

"I don't know what happened at the second set, I started a little bit to cramp," Badosa said. "It was high intensity, first match of the year, I was nervous. But I could adapt myself. I started to play a little bit more aggressive. I'm very happy with the fight tonight because I played and fought until the last moment."

Badosa went into the match looking for her first win over Dart. The 98th-ranked Brit handed Badosa her last loss of the 2022 season at the Billie Jean King Cup, winning 6-3, 6-4 in November. As luck would have it, Badosa drew Dart again for her first match of the 2023 season. After Great Britain swept Spain on Day 3 to build a 2-0 lead, Badosa was faced with the added pressure of winning a must-win match for Spain.

Dart came through a 77-minute opening set to hold off a furious comeback from the Spaniard, saving two set points along the way. With Badosa struggling with her rhythm on serve, Dart opened up a 5-2 lead before the former World No. 2 dialed in. Badosa ran off four consecutive games and earned two set points on Dart's serve at 6-5, but a brave cross-court forehand from Dart kept her in the set.

Hubert Hurkacz earned a critical win for his country on Sunday evening at the United Cup, where he defeated Alexander Bublik 7-6(8), 4-6, 6-3 to give Poland a 2-1 lead against Kazakhstan.

“It was a lot of fun to play against Sascha. I think that the quality was really high. It was the first match of the new year on the first, so that was pretty good. I’m really happy with the quality and it was definitely a fun match,” Hurkacz said. “It was a lot of fun to play in front of such a great crowd. I’ve never been in Brisbane and I really love it here so thanks guys for coming.”

Magda Linette will now try to close out the tie for Poland when she plays crowd favourite Zhibek Kulambayeva in the No. 2 women’s singles match. If Kulambayeva springs an upset, the tie will come down to a deciding mixed doubles inside Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane.

The match appeared destined for a final-set tie-break between two of the biggest servers on the ATP Tour, but Hurkacz was opportunistic at the most critical moment. On his third break point at 4-3, the Pole hit a well-placed return deep in the court to put Bublik on the back foot, then rushed forward and executed a perfect half volley to elicit an easy putaway.

If Hurkacz had any nerves as he stepped to the line to serve for the victory, he did not show them. The Pole held to love, crushing his 18th ace of the match to triumph after two hours and nine minutes.

Harriet Dart in action for Great Britain.

Paula Badosa represents Spain in Sydney.

Team Great Britain stand up in support.

Jiri Lehecka and Petra Kvitova celebrate together.

  
Casper Ruud earns his first win of the season.

Elise Mertens kicked off 2023 by giving Belgium a 2-1 lead over Bulgaria at the United Cup in Perth, though her 6-4, 3-6, 6-0 win over substitute Gergana Topalova wasn't all smooth sailing.

No.323-ranked Topalova was a last-minute replacement for Bulgaria's top WTA player, Viktoriya Tomova, who sustained a left calf injury in her Day 2 loss to Maria Sakkari. The 22-year-old was making her tour-level debut; indeed, she had never even played a WTA qualifying draw before, nor had she faced an opponent ranked higher than No.130.

However, Topalova had improved her year-end ranking from No.512 to No.308 over the course of 2022, and demonstrated why in an impressive performance against Mertens. She nailed a backhand winner on the second point of the match, and that shot would prove an impressive weapon across the one-hour, 55-minute contest.

Nonetheless, WTA Finals doubles champion Mertens' experience and all-court prowess kept her in front. The Belgian won 16 out of 22 points at net, and racked up 22 winners in total. However, her service level fluctuated somewhat; Mertens accumulated eight double faults, repeatedly beckoning Topalova back into the match.

But No.29-ranked Mertens was able to withstand her opponent's comeback attempts each time. She was twice up a break in the first set, but after being pegged back to 4-4 found her best returns and serves to take the last two games. And after Topalova came from 2-0 down in the second set to level the match, Mertens responded with a dominant third set in which she only conceded three points on serve.

Norway began Sunday in a deep hole against Brazil trailing 0-2 in their United Cup tie, but World No. 3 Casper Ruud kept his country’s hopes alive.

In the first men’s singles match of the new year, Ruud defeated Brazilian Thiago Monteiro 6-3, 6-2 to narrow the deficit to 1-2 in the tie. Ulrikke Eikeri will try to level the tie in the No. 2 women’s singles match when she faces Laura Pigossi. Norway must sweep Sunday's three matches to complete the comeback.

“It was a must-win, so I was maybe feeling the pressure a little bit, but I was able to come out with a good start and starting the new year in tennis down in Australia feels great. It’s always exciting to be here. My first time in Brisbane, so it’s been a great few days so far. I’m really enjoying the city and thanks to everyone who came out first day of the year to watch some tennis.”

Ruud picked up where he left off in a standout 2022 season, during which he climbed as high as No. 2 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings and advanced to the championship match of the Nitto ATP Finals. Despite a slight hiccup when he fell behind 0-2 in the second set, the Norwegian stormed through the final six games of the match to triumph after 72 minutes.

“I always feel very motivated coming down here playing in Australia. Last year was a bit unfortunate. I was not able to play in the Australian Open. I rolled my ankle the day before my first round, so I’m very eager to hopefully have a good start of the season down here and this is a perfect way for me to start another year on Tour.”

World No. 16 Petra Kvitova came through once again for Team Czech Republic, defeating Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-2 for her second win at the United Cup on Sunday. The victory gave the Czech Republic an insurmountable 3-0 lead over Team Germany, sealing the tie for the Czechs in Sydney.

Kvitova has come through two physical wins this week in Sydney. Her opening victory over World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, a tight 7-6(6), 6-4 win, was a big confidence boost for the former World No. 2, who saved seven set points in the first set to win in two.

That same resilience was on display against Siegemund. The scoreline betrays how tough the German made Kvitova work for the win. Siegemund generated 11 break points in the match - two more than Kvitova - but the Czech came through in the clutch. Despite 10 double faults on the day, Kvitova saved nine of 11 break points, while breaking Siegemund four times.

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Germany's Oscar Otte then earned his nation its first win at the event when he downed Dalibor Svrcina 7-6(1), 6-2 in the No. 2 men's singles match of the Group C tie. Svrcina replaced Czech's No. 2 men's player, Tomas Machac, who injured his ankle in his opening match against Frances Tiafoe.

From tropical islands, to remote settings, to the world’s largest cities, the ATP Challenger Tour knows no bounds as the 46th Challenger season is set to get underway this week.

The season will unfold with five tournaments, including in New Caledonia, Australia, Thailand, Argentina, and Portugal. Across several time zones, you could open the new year by watching live Challenger matches for 24 hours non stop.

One event to keep your eyes on will be the season-opening Noumea Challenger. A short walk from the Coral Sea, Noumea is a piece of tennis paradise with breathtaking views. The French territory located in the south Pacific will host a Challenger event for the 17th year and for the first time since January 2020. 

Ligue de Tennis de Nouvelle-Calédonie, host site of the Noumea Challenger. Credit: Open SIFA Nouvelle-Calédonie

Cristian Garin, Hugo Grenier, Zsombor Piros, and Benoit Paire are among those who will compete at the Noumea Challenger.

Casper Ruud's Australian swing was cut short one year ago as an ankle injury forced his withdrawal from the Australian Open after two ATP Cup wins. The Norwegian will once again begin his season by representing his country Down Under, this time at the inaugural United Cup.

The World No. 3 will need a strong start on Sunday if he is to keep Team Norway alive in its Group E matchup with Brazil. Ruud faces Thiago Monteiro in Brisbane as he looks to earn his nation its first match win of the event and cut into Brazil's 2-0 lead. Norway requires a Sunday sweep on New Year's Day to win the tie, with Ulrikke Eikeri set to meet Brazil's Laura Pigossi in the second singles match, before what Norway hopes will be a decisive mixed-doubles finale.

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With the unique, all-inclusive format of the United Cup, even the presence of a 22-time Grand Slam champion is no guarantee of success for Team Spain.

When Rafael Nadal fell on Saturday to Cameron Norrie 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, and compatriot Nuria Parrizas Diaz lost to Katie Swan, Great Britain took a daunting 2-0 lead. And yet, there are reasons to think this one might not be over. Two reasons: Paula Badosa and Pablo Carreno Busta, who will carry the flag for Spain.

With the United Cup underway in Australia, two ATP Tour events will follow as the 2023 season opens in style across two continents. A pair of ATP 250 events are set to begin during the first week of the new year: the Adelaide International I and the Tata Open Maharashtra in Pune.

Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev are among four 2022 Nitto ATP Finals participants in the loaded Adelaide singles draw, while Marin Cilic leads the field in Pune.

ATPTour.com looks ahead at 10 things to watch this week.

View Draws: Adelaide | Pune

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN ADELAIDE:
1) Top Seed Djokovic Returns To Australia: Back in action Down Under for the first time since he won the 2021 Australian Open, the World No. 5 leads the field in Adelaide, where he won his third ATP Tour title in 2007. The Serbian finished the 2022 season by winning a record-tying sixth Nitto ATP Finals crown, and lifted the title in four of his past five ATP Tour tournaments dating back to Wimbledon.

Returning finalist Emil Ruusuvuori, seeded third at the Tata Open Maharashtra, attended the event's draw ceremony on Saturday as he learned his path back to the title match in India. The Norwegian could face 15-year-old wild card Manas Dhamne — a home-nation favourite who also took part in the ceremony ahead of his tour-level debut — in the quarter-finals.

Top seed and two-time former champion Marin Cilic — who won the 2009 and 2010 titles when the event was held in Chennai — was placed on the draw's top line as the top seed at the ATP 250. After a bye, he will face a Spaniard in the second round: Roberto Carballes Baena or Bernebe Zapata Miralles. Fourth seed Sebastian Baez is a potential semi-final opponent, with seventh seed Jaume Munar and eighth seed Aslan Karatsev also in the top half.

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Second seed Botic van de Zandschulp anchors the draw on its bottom line and will open against either Indian wild card Mukund Sasikumar or a qualifier in the second round. He is joined in the bottom half by Ruusuvuori, fifth seed Alex Molcan and sixth seed Filip Krajinovic, with the latter to meet Indian wild card Sumit Nagal in the first round.

Main-draw play in Pune begins on 2 January, with four places still to be filled by qualifiers.

During the US Open, former World No. 25 Fernando Meligeni wrote a philosophical Instagram post about the relationship between Carlos Alcaraz and his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. The first line read “No nos rendimos”, a Portgueuse phrase that means “Never give up”.

One person who took notice was his nephew, Felipe Meligeni Alves, who is a member of Team Brazil at the United Cup. The 24-year-old, who earned his first ATP Tour win on Saturday against Norwegian Viktor Durasovic, took the message to heart. He got the message tattooed on his left arm.

“I just like to motivate myself,” Meligeni Alves told ATPTour.com. “I just wanted to do it.”

That is far from the only tattoo the Brazilian has. He has another Portuguese message on his right arm that means, “You can’t have big dreams if you don’t chase them”.

That is what the No. 166 player in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings is doing. The Brazilian is trying to follow in his uncle’s footsteps and leave his mark on the ATP Tour. By the end of 2023, he would like to crack the Top 100.

Team Czech Republic chat in the Team Zone

Marie Bouzkova in action on Saturday in Sydney.

Team Belgium celebrates Alison Van Uytvanck's win over Team Bulgaria's Isabella Shinikova in Perth.

Grigor Dimitrov levels the tie in Perth by downing David Goffin.

Fans supporting Spain on in Sydney.

Donna Vekic came through two contrasting sets to defeat Maria Lourdes Carle 6-0, 6-4 in Perth, getting Team Croatia off to a dream start over Team Argentina at United Cup.

A one-sided opener saw the former WTA No.19 overpower Carle relentlessly. Vekic played flawless aggressive tennis while committing only one unforced error, teeing off on each of her opponent's second serves and conceding a meagre five points overall.

But 22-year-old Carle got her teeth into the contest to make the second set a highly entertaining affair. The WTA No.147 began using her slice to blunt Vekic's power, and canny use of that shot also set up a stellar pass to break for 3-2.

However, a pivotal sixth game saw Carle miss triple game point — the third when a dead net cord went against her — to consolidate her break. Scrambling through a drop shot exchange, Vekic captured the best point of the match en route to levelling at 3-3.

The level remained high through the remainder of the set, with the drop shot continuing to play a significant role for both players. In the end, the final game was decided by the finest of margins. Serving to stay in the match, Carle squandered two game points — the first with a double fault, and the second when a putative forehand winner went wide by millimetres.