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08 May 2025

Spain Prepares For Hopman Cup With Talented Duo

Roberto Bautista and Marina Bassols lead Spain's charge in Italy's prestigious tournament

The excitement is building as the Hopman Cup 2025 gears up to take place in Bari, Italy, from July 16 to July 20. This prestigious mixed-gender tennis tournament, organized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), will feature a lineup packed with talent from around the globe. Confirmed teams include Spain, Italy, Greece, Canada, Croatia, and France, all vying for the coveted title.

Spain will be represented by the dynamic duo of Roberto Bautista Agut and Marina Bassols. Bautista, currently ranked 56th in the world, brings a wealth of experience to the court, while Bassols, ranked 235th in the WTA standings, is eager to make her mark on this significant stage. Both players will compete in singles matches before teaming up for the mixed doubles.

Spain has a rich history in the Hopman Cup, having clinched the title four times. The country first triumphed in 1990 with the legendary duo of Emilio and Arantxa Sánchez Vicario. They followed up with victories in 2002, 2010, and 2013, showcasing their prowess in this unique competition.

Joining Spain in the tournament are Italy’s Flavio Cobolli and Jasmine Paolini, Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas and Despina Papamichail, France’s Arthur Fils and Chloé Paquet, Croatia’s Duje Ajdukovic and Donna Vekic, and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime and Bianca Andreescu. Each team brings a different dynamic to the competition, making for an exciting lineup.

Italy, the host nation, boasts a strong team with Jasmine Paolini, who recently won the Billie Jean King Cup in 2024, and Flavio Cobolli. Their inclusion adds to the competitive spirit as they aim to impress their home crowd at the Fiera del Levante in Bari.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, a prominent figure in men’s tennis, expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, stating, “It’s important for every player to experience representing their country. It creates a different sense of belonging and gives a different meaning to the game when tennis becomes a team sport. Representing your country creates a special feeling, and every time I play in the Hopman Cup, that feeling intensifies.”

Donna Vekic echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I’m really happy to be back at the Hopman Cup; I missed the tournament last year, and I’m looking forward to representing Croatia and having a lot of fun.”

Iva Majoli, the tournament director, expressed her excitement about hosting the Hopman Cup in Italy for the first time, thanking the city of Bari and the region of Apulia for their incredible support in making it possible. Isidoro Alvisi, vice president of the Italian Tennis Federation, also shared his pride in hosting such a historically significant event. “Italian tennis is at the top of the world stage, both in results and organizational capacity. We are proud to host a tournament with nearly forty years of history,” he stated.

The tournament will feature a unique format, with each tie consisting of a men’s singles match, a women’s singles match, and a mixed doubles match. This structure not only highlights individual talents but also emphasizes teamwork, making it a thrilling spectacle for fans.

Fans can expect to see some of the world’s best players competing in a custom-built tennis village of over 10,000 square meters, which will include two hard courts with a capacity for 5,000 spectators. Tickets for the event went on sale in April, with over 3,000 already sold, reflecting the high interest in this exciting tournament.

Broadcasting live on SuperTennis, the Hopman Cup promises to deliver thrilling matches every day, starting at 17:30 local time. The schedule kicks off with Italy facing Croatia on July 16, followed by Greece taking on Spain the next day, and matches featuring Canada and France in the days that follow.

The anticipation for the Hopman Cup 2025 is palpable as fans and players alike prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament. With its rich history and competitive spirit, this year’s event is set to showcase the best of mixed-gender tennis on an international stage.

As the teams finalize their preparations, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will emerge victorious in Bari? With Spain’s storied history in the competition and a strong lineup, they will be a formidable contender. However, with teams like Canada and Greece also featuring top-ranked players, the competition is sure to be fierce.

In the end, the Hopman Cup 2025 is not just about winning; it’s about the camaraderie, the national pride, and the love of the sport that brings players together from different corners of the world. As the tournament approaches, the excitement continues to build, promising a celebration of tennis that fans won’t want to miss.