The annual tennis schedule is one of the busiest in world sport. From the grassroots to the elite there are multiple trophies, awards and accolades up for grabs. As a luxury brand and elite Silversmiths, Thomas Lyte is responsible for many of the sports top trophies. The United Cup stands as one of the sports most magnificent and coveted awards, and Thomas Lyte are proud to be the designers and makers.
The trophy stands at 50cm tall, made from hallmarked sterling silver and 24-carat gold plate. The United Cup reflects the beauty and elegance of the game it serves. Over 400 hours of master craftsmanship was needed to bring the trophy to life.
Tireless hours are required by both our master Silversmith’s and tennis’ elite, striving for excellence, travelling far and wide. The trophies themselves often do the same. The United Cup, for example, has been working hard over the last few months; touring around Australia. A trophy made with the intent of celebrating tennis’ unity and diversity has been engaging Australia’s population, inspiring and unifying people of all ages across the country.
For it’s first week of the tour, The United Cup arrived in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. The trophy’s purpose during the first leg of the tour was to visit multiple schools, tennis clubs and Red Ball competitions across the city. Starting at the Junior ITF Perth International competition, the trophy travelled south throughout a busy week, finally landing at Applecross Tennis Club. An extensive report of the first week, including a full list of venues, clubs and schools the Trophy visited can be found on the official United Cup Trophy Tour press release by tennis.com.
Entering the final months of 2023, The United Cup embarked on a week of business and culture. The second week of the Trophy Tour offered diversity, and celebration. Club visits, radio appearances, and stops at the Chinese, British and American Consulates respectively were among a few experiences of week two. The trophy also stopped off in Scarborough, at the Beach Arena, Beach Tennis WA. The venue is the first dedicated beach tennis arena in Australia. A full report of week two is available on the official United Cup Trophy Tour press release, by tennis.com.
After a few more stops by the week’s official end, The United cup was ready to take flight. Flying now to Sydney, it was time to continue the tour in New South Wales, just in time for Christmas. Moments spared only for the keenest journeymen, sprinkled with a spot of Christmas cheer, were offered to the ever-gleaming trophy.
Now a seasoned traveller, The United Cup exhibited the bravery and tenacity expected of any winner, climbing to great heights. A trip to the very top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was one of the highlights of the trip (as seen above). Looking over the Harbour, with a stunning view of the Sydney Opera house, this festive visit was followed up by an unlikely meeting.
This year – despite being in the middle of the busiest portion of his schedule – Santa Claus himself asked for a meeting with the trophy. The mutual honour was documented with a unique photo opportunity. A merry meeting indeed, and certainly a photo for the tour scrapbook.
The United Cup continued on it’s road, sweeping through the country, just as the 36 sterling silver rods sweep around and up the trophy. Symbolising the movement and elegance of the sport, the rods represent each player of the 18 mixed doubles partnerships in the competition.
Eventually, the Trophy found it’s way to the competition itself. Over a week of hard fought matches ensued as the Trophy looked on, and as the week came to a close, The United Cup was lifted for only the second time. A tense final between Germany and Poland saw the former crowned United Cup Champions after a tight 2-1 victory.
And so concluded the tour. Weeks of meetings and greetings with all peoples of Australia, young and old, had been a stern test for the Trophy’s fine craftsmanship. Made to stand the test of time, the Trophy finally stood proud, reflecting the winner’s delights as it was held aloft in victory.
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