WTC Press Release, November 20, 2018

Two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka and world No.4 Alexander Zverev will headline the eleventh edition of the World Tennis Challenge at Memorial Drive in Adelaide, South Australia from Monday 7 to Tuesday 8 January 2019.

Two teams will each feature a current WTA and ATP player alongside a tennis legend in a battle to claim the South Australian title.

Azarenka and Zverev will team up with French tennis legend and former world No.5 Henri Leconte for Team Leconte.

US Open doubles champion CoCo Vandeweghe will make her Adelaide debut with world No.12 Borna Coric and her year-round coach, 1987 Wimbledon champion Pat Cash for Team Cash.

Former world No.1 Azarenka won the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013, a gold medal in the mixed doubles and a bronze medal in the singles at the 2012 London Olympic Games, will also travel to Adelaide for the first time. 

“I’m thrilled to join the field for the World Tennis Challenge in January,” Azarenka said.

“This will be my first time visiting Adelaide so I am looking forward to exploring the city and meeting all of the tennis fans too.”

Zverev, fresh off his ATP Finals win in London, will match up against fellow 21-year-old Coric in what promises to be one of the great future rivalries in men’s tennis on Monday 7 January.

“[It’s] great to be a part of the World Tennis Challenge in January,” Zverev said.

“Borna has been in great form lately and I am looking forward to taking to the court against him in Adelaide.”

Vandeweghe who led the United States to Fed Cup victory in 2017 for the first time since 2000 holds two career singles and four doubles titles.

In September Vandeweghe, along with Ashleigh Barty, broke through to win the women’s doubles at the US Open, her first Grand Slam title.

“My coach Pat Cash has told me about the enthusiastic crowd at the World Tennis Challenge and I can’t wait to be a part of it,” Vandeweghe said.

Fresh off a recent victory over Roger Federer in October and sitting at a career high ranking of world No.12, Coric will play a pivotal role on Team Cash.

World Tennis Challenge General Manager David Hearne is pleased to welcome a host of top 10 players and Grand Slam champions to South Australia in January.

“We’re excited to host two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka, world No.4 Alexander Zverev, world No.12 Borna Coric and US Open doubles champion CoCo Vandeweghe next year,” Hearne said.

“It’s fantastic to welcome a group of new players to South Australia alongside Pat Cash and Henri Leconte.

“Local fans can see these tennis stars in action from just $6 for kids and $31 for adults, making it a fun and affordable evening out during the summer.”

“We are delighted to, once again, be hosting some of the biggest names in world tennis – including rising stars and legends of the game – for the two-night exhibition tournament at Memorial Drive,” said South Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment David Ridgway.

“The World Tennis Challenge is expected to attract more than 10,000 spectators and will add further vibrancy to South Australia’s exciting summer events schedule.”

World Tennis Challenge 2019 schedule of play

*Schedule is provisional only and subject to change.