With the Australian Open just around the corner, a host of Australian and international talent have landed down under and are set to return to the courts from this weekend. Prior to the Aussie Open getting underway on January 12, there are five key tournaments taking place across the country – beginning on Friday. But what are these events? Why do they matter? And who else is playing in them?

When, where and who is playing at the United Cup?

The third edition of the United Cup will take place at Perth Arena from December 27 to January 1 and at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena from December 29 to January 5. The United Cup is a team event featuring an incredible 18 countries full of top men and women players who will compete in six, three-team groups – nine in each city.

Australia compete as part of Group F. They are based in Sydney, alongside Great Britain and Argentina. The Aussies’ charge will be spearheaded by World No.9 Alex de Minaur, with Omar Jasika (179) the other men’s singles player. Olivia Gadecki (96) and Destanee Aiava (167) are the women who will represent Australia, while doubles specialists Matt Ebden and Ellen Perez complete Australia’s six-player team.

Away from the Aussies, six of the world’s top 10 women’s players are set to take part in the United Cup, including World No.2 Swiatek and Australian Open finalists Elena Rybakina (6) and American Coco Gauff (3). The men’s field is equally strong, with Germany’s World No.2 Alexander Zverev, America’s Taylor Fritz and sixth-ranked Casper Ruud all lining up.

When, where and who is playing at the Brisbane International?

The Brisbane International takes place from December 27 to January 5, with two days of qualifying followed by the main draw. The women’s WTA500 event and men’s ATP 250 will run concurrently, with the champions crowned on January 5 at Pat Rafter Arena.

The men’s field is being touted as one of the strongest ever assembled in Brisbane, with Novak Djokovic pushing to secure his 100th ATP title in his first appearance in Brisbane since 2009. He will have plenty of competition however, with defending champion Grigor Dimitrov (10), Holger Rune (13) and Frances Tiafoe (18) all lining up.

Australia will also be well-represented, with Nick Kyrgios the biggest name competing. The dynamic Aussie will make his long-awaited return from injury at the event and is sure to attract plenty of eyeballs ahead of another Australian Open tilt. Kyrgios will also team up with Djokovic in doubles at the Brisbane International.

Away from Kyrgios, the Aussie contingent is strong with Alexei Popyrin, Jordan Thompson and Alja Tomljanovic lining up. Thanasi Kokkinakis was originally anticipated to line up in Brisbane but instead will head to Adelaide to give him some more time to rest as he tries to overcome a nagging hip injury.

The women’s draw is incredibly strong with four top 10 players competing in Brisbane, including World No.1 and current Australian Open champion Sabalenka. While Jessica Pegula (7), Emma Navarro (8) and Daria Kasatkina (9) are all in action as well.

Channel Nine is the official broadcaster for all Brisbane International matches and fans can watch live on Channel Nine or 9Now.

When, where and who is playing at the Canberra International

Canberra will play host to the ATP Challenger series and a WTA125 tournament to give rising stars some match practice ahead of Australian Open qualifying. The Canberra International will take place from December 29 through to January 4 and will feature Cruz Hewitt, as he looks to prepare for his home open and follow in his famous father’s footsteps.

But it won’t be easy with one of the hardest contingents in the event’s history lining up. Hewitt will be joined by defending champion Dominik Koepfer, World No.52 Jenson Brooksby, Hugo Gaston (76), Facundo Díaz Acosta (79) and Indian number one Sumit Nagal (98). The women’s draw is not as strong but still sees three players inside the women’s top 100 competing, Anna Bondár (93), Montenegrin Danka Kovinić (95) and Nuria Párrizas Díaz (99).

When, where and who is playing at the Adelaide International

The Adelaide International will take place from January 6 to 11 and is headlined by Aussie favourites Kokkinakis and Jordan Thompson – however, the latter may pull out if he has a deep run in Brisbane. While the women’s WTA500 tournament hosts 13 of the women’s top 20, including Jasmine Paolini (4), Jessica Pegula (7), Emma Navarro (8), Daria Kasatkina (9) and Barbora Krejčíková (10).

And the depth doesn’t stop there. Unlikely 2023 Wimbledon champ Markéta Vondroušová and former World No.2 Ons Jabeur also will appear, as will nine other top 20 players, including defending champion Jelena Ostapenko (15), Danielle Collins (11), Paula Badosa (12).

In the men’s event, top 20 ranked players Tommy Paul (12) and Lorenzo Musetti (17) will also take part and Aussie Olympic gold medallist Matt Ebden will take part in the doubles tournament.

Channel Nine is the official broadcaster for all Adelaide International matches and fans can watch live on Channel Nine or on 9Now.

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When, where and who is playing at the Hobart International

The Hobart International returns for its 30th year, running from January 6-11. It is a women only event, which will see nine top 50 players in action, including two-time winner Elise Mertens (33). She will be joined by 2017 US Open champ Sloane Stevens.

There are no Aussie hopes in action in Tasmania, with Kiwi Lulu Sun becoming the closest thing to a local to cheer on. Select games from the Hobart International will be shown on Stan Sport.

When, where and who is playing at the Australian Open

Qualifying for the Australian Open will get underway on January 6 and will go until January 11. Qualifying will feature Hewitt and Bernard Tomic. The attention will then turn to the first grand slam of the year, the Australian Open, which gets underway on January 12.

Channel Nine is the official broadcaster for all Australian Open games and fans can watch live on Channel Nine, 9Now or Stan Sports.

It should be noted that all lineups are subject to change, with players regularly pulling out of lead-up tournaments to prioritise the Australian Open.